Embattled corps member Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what she describes as an “unlawful and politically motivated” extension of her service year
Through her lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, Raye accused the NYSC of victimisation and abuse of power, claiming she was targeted for publicly criticising some 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 the 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,” states that the extension was based on an unfounded allegation that she failed to present herself for the April 2025 biometric monthly clearance. Raye insists she appeared on April 7, 2025, but her Local Government Inspector, Veronica Abela, allegedly refused to screen her in retaliation for her criticism of government policies.
The petition also notes that the Lagos State Coordinator of NYSC had threatened her with an extension following her public remarks, a move described as a clear abuse of power, a violation of the Constitution, and a breach of the NYSC Act.
Despite a previous petition dated August 11, 2025, to the NYSC Director-General seeking redress, no action has been taken, prompting the appeal to the Presidency.
Effiong argued that the case infringes on Raye’s constitutional rights to freedom of expression and fair hearing, warning that ignoring the issue could set a “dangerous precedent for democracy.” He called on Tinubu to intervene immediately and hinted that legal action may follow if the matter is not resolved.
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