Why Raye Might Run Foul Of NYSC Rules

A Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye also known as Raye has expressed concerns about alleged threats following her viral video, where she criticised President Bola Tinubu’s government over inflation and economic hardship.

In a video posted on her TikTok account #talktoraye on Saturday, 15th March 2025, Uguamaye voiced her frustration with Nigeria’s deteriorating economic situation, lamenting that hard work appears to be in vain amid financial struggles. She openly criticised Tinubu, calling him a “terrible leader,” and questioned the government’s efforts to alleviate citizens’ suffering. She also referred to Lagos State as a “smelling state,” complaining about its poor living conditions and unpleasant odour.

After the video gained attention, Uguamaye claimed she began receiving threats, allegedly from NYSC officials, urging her to remove the video. Frustrated by the backlash, she turned to Instagram #iamraye__ to express her discontent with what she described as attempts to silence her, emphasizing that she was merely speaking the truth about Nigeria’s reality. She wrote, “Dear Nigerians, I am already getting threatened by the NYSC board to stop speaking on this issue. Less than 24 hours, I’m already getting threatened by the government starting with the NYSC board!”

She continued, “Dear Nigerians, they have my address. In case you guys don’t see me online, please you know who to hold accountable. I didn’t do anything wrong I just asked that they work on the inflation. Why can’t I speak up? Being an NYSC corper doesn’t mean I signed up my right to complain. Why can’t the government listen to the critics of its citizens? They believe they have a chain on me, which is NYSC, and they are using it to hold me. #officialasiwajubat I didn’t do anything wrong. I criticised your government and I demand that we are being heard.”

Her allegations have sparked a wide debate on social media, with many Nigerians questioning whether the NYSC is suppressing free speech among corps members.

Reactions Following The Video

The trending video has sparked discussions among Nigerians regarding the rights of corps members to freely express their opinions on national issues without fear of retribution. Many are questioning whether expressing such views should lead to threats or punitive actions, emphasizing the importance of free speech and the need for accountability from public officials.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has condemned officials of the NYSC for the alleged threatening messages.
Reacting, Amnesty International, in a post on X/Twitter, said;
”Instead of threatening her, the authorities “should be prioritising addressing the country’s economic woes.”

“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should be prioritising addressing the country’s economic woes.
“Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.

“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions—in utter disregard for the Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the human rights organisation said.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) through Festus Osifo, TUC president has backed Ushie Uguamaye aka Raye saying she spoke out of frustration and he also advised citizens not to go overboard with their criticisms. 

“Government has to develop the resilience to understand that people are frustrated, hungry and tired. So, if they decide to vent, I strongly believe that the government should not personalise it and go after such individuals,” he said.

“Imagine a young lady carrying out her NYSC function, what does she really have to do to bring down the government? So, it is about personal frustration that she has aired. 

“I think that the government has to persevere much more, they have to be more tolerant, and they have to have this deep level of patience with Nigerians because people are passing through a lot as it stands today.”

Sowore, in a video shared on X on Monday, revealed that he had met with Uguamaye in Lagos and would be accompanying her to the NYSC Local Government Inspector’s office alongside a team of attorneys.
“The journey with youth Corper, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, has commenced in Lagos.
“She is scheduled to appear before the LGI (Local Government Inspector) today and we will escort her to their offices. We are all en route with attorneys,” Sowore captioned the video.

“You cannot threaten, intimidate or victimize any corper for expressing their view on the performance of the president. They are citizens with rights; the president is in office to serve”— Mr Macaroni cautions NYSC DG, other personnel.
SERVICE

The popular @aproko_doctor also took to his page to express his disappointment regarding the issue;
“When you call out government agencies on inadequacies, instead of trying to put heads together to solve the problems.
They resort to bullying. I’ve never seen any government that hates feedback pass our own,God forbid”. He tweeted.

A. Ayofe@abdullahayofel also posted on X
“Here is the truth, Rules are rules, guidelines are guidelines. She’s not forced to join the scheme. And since she joins, she ought to obey the NYSC Act which I doubt she ever read.”

Anonymous NG @AnonXNG on X posted
“A lady posted about hardship in Nigeria. Next day, she was threatened by NYSC Board to take it down. Is this a military regime?
if you people think you are mad you haven’t seen madness yet! We’re giving NYSC Lagos headed by Christiana Salmwang 24hrs to publicly condemn those involved”

What Does The NYSC Rule Say Regarding Authorities

According to Section 3 (i) (18) of the NYSC Bye-Laws Code of Conduct (2011), “Any member who addresses the press on any policy issue without the written consent of the State Coordinator shall be tried by the Camp Court and, if found guilty, be liable to extension of service for thirty (30) days on half pay.”

This implies that if a corps member wishes to make a public statement, particularly one criticizing government policies, they are required to obtain clearance from NYSC officials before doing so.

According to Section 3(iii) (27) of the NYSC Bye-Laws, which states “Not be rude to constituted authority,” any member who is rude to authority will be tried by the Corps Disciplinary Committee. If found guilty, they may face an extension of service for at least thirty (30) days with half pay.

Section 3 (29) addresses the issue of disclosing official information, stating “Not disclose official information.” Any member who discloses official information shall be tried by the Corps Disciplinary Committee and, if found guilty, could face an extension of service for a minimum of thirty (30) days without pay.

While there is no specific section in the NYSC Bye-Laws that explicitly forbids corps members from calling out the government, there is a clause that indirectly regulates how they can express themselves publicly.

But does this mean corps members cannot post their opinions online? Not necessarily. The law likely pertains to official press engagements, not personal social media posts. The issue lies in interpretation; while NYSC may view social media as an extension of the “press,” others argue that personal social media accounts do not fall under this category.

What Could Be Raye’s Fate?

The fate of NYSC corper Raye within the NYSC board could depend on how the NYSC chooses to interpret and enforce its rules regarding public expression.

If the NYSC views her actions as violating the NYSC Bye-Laws, specifically Section 3(i)(18) about addressing the press or making public statements without approval, Raye could be subjected to a disciplinary process. This could result in an extension of her service or other penalties as determined by the Corps Disciplinary Committee.

If found guilty of a rule violation, she could face a service extension of up to 30 days with half pay, as specified in the Bye-Laws.

Raye’s allegations of threats from NYSC officials and the government has sparked widespread debate and support from fellow corps members and the public where there is an ongoing #30daysrantchallenge potentially leading to increased attention on the issue of free speech within the NYSC. Public pressure or sympathy could influence how the NYSC handles her case, either softening their stance or making them more resolute in enforcing discipline.

Ultimately, her fate will depend on how the NYSC chooses to enforce its regulations and whether it decides to take a lenient or strict approach toward her public criticism.

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