A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Rita Uguamaye, also known as Corper Raye, has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding what she describes as an “unlawful and politically motivated” extension of her service year.
The petition, submitted through human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, alleges that NYSC officials extended Uguamaye’s service by two months over claims she missed biometric clearance in April 2025—a claim she denies. According to the document, titled “Appeal Against the Unlawful Extension of the Service Year of Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye”, she presented herself for clearance on April 7. However, she was reportedly denied screening by a local inspector.
Uguamaye’s lawyer argues that the extension followed her public criticism of some Tinubu administration policies. He stated that the NYSC’s actions violate her constitutional rights to freedom of expression and a fair hearing, and warned of the potential for a “dangerous precedent for democracy.”
Effiong urged President Tinubu to intervene, citing the corps’ silence as a possible sign of tacit approval of political retaliation. He added that legal action could follow if the matter is not resolved. The petition comes after a detailed submission to the NYSC Director-General on August 11 2025, which reportedly received no response.
