Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has strongly condemned the decision of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to extend the service year of Rita Ushie, popularly known as Rita Raye, following her viral video criticizing the hardships faced by Nigerians under the current administration.
Rita, a corps member, became the center of public attention in April after she posted a video on social media expressing her frustration over the worsening economic situation in the country, attributing the suffering to the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Following her post, she was reportedly summoned by NYSC officials and threatened to take down the video.
In a statement shared on his verified social media platforms, Sowore described the extension of Rita’s service year by two months as politically motivated and vindictive. He warned that such action could have far-reaching consequences for the administration.
“This Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime might go down with the Rita Raye’s National Youth Service Corps matter,” Sowore declared. “This is not acceptable. We will mobilize down to the Passing Out Parade except Rita is allowed to complete her NYSC national service without let or hindrance.”
Earlier reports had revealed that The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC had extended, by two months, the service year of Ms Rita Ushie (Raye).
According to CrossRiverWatch, the media outlet revealed that with one month left for her to complete the scheme, she was invited last week Wednesday, June 18th to face a disciplinary committee at the orientation camp at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos State.
The Scheme failed to hear her matter and asked her to return this week where she was eventually handed the sentence, explains Jonathan Ugbal, the South South Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement who has been in touch with her family.
“Upon her arrival at Iyana Ipaja last Wednesday without any formal letter, she was met by the Local Government Instructor who spoke to her and asked her to return this week despite the scarce resources she burned to get there.”
“She went there eventually, and she faced them, apologizing to the staff who felt hurt due to the backlash they received from the public.
“However, her mother called me moments ago to inform me that she called crying over the phone that her service year has been extended by two months. I have reached out to her, but she is not in a good frame of mind to speak,” Mr. Jonathan said.
