Corps Member Rita Uguamaye Petitions Tinubu Over Alleged Politically Motivated NYSC Extension

Embattled corps member Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what she described as an “unlawful and politically motivated” extension of her NYSC service year.

Through her lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, Raye accused the NYSC of victimisation and abuse of power, alleging she was targeted for publicly criticising policies of the Tinubu administration.

In a petition addressed to the President and copied to the NYSC Director-General, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and other stakeholders, she demanded an immediate reversal of the two-month extension and the issuance of her discharge certificate.

The petition, titled “Appeal Against the Unlawful Extension of the Service Year of Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye with State Code Number LA/24B/8325,” claims that the extension was based on a false allegation that she failed to attend the April 2025 biometric monthly clearance. Raye maintains she presented herself for the exercise on April 7, 2025, but her Local Government Inspector, Veronica Abela, allegedly refused to screen her in retaliation for her criticism of the government.

The petition also alleges that the Lagos State NYSC Coordinator threatened her with an extension after her public remarks, which Effiong described as a clear abuse of power, a violation of the Constitution, and a breach of the NYSC Act. Despite a previous petition to the NYSC Director-General on August 11, 2025, no action has been taken to reverse the decision.

Effiong argued that Raye’s constitutional rights to freedom of expression and fair hearing have been violated, warning that allowing such practices to continue would set a “dangerous precedent for democracy.” He urged President Tinubu to intervene immediately and hinted that legal action may follow if no resolution is reached.