By Idris Auwal
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has taken disciplinary action against Ms. Rita Ushie, popularly known as Raye, a serving corps member and Instagram influencer. Following her recent viral remarks criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the NYSC has extended Raye’s service year by two months.
According to sources, the decision was made on disciplinary grounds, citing a breach of the scheme’s code of conduct regarding political neutrality and public commentary by corps members. Raye’s comments, made in a video posted online, condemned the rising cost of living, subsidy removal, and insecurity, which she directly linked to the Tinubu-led government.
The NYSC’s decision reflects the importance of adhering to the scheme’s code of conduct, which emphasizes the need for corps members to maintain political neutrality and avoid making public comments that could be perceived as partisan or inflammatory.
Raye’s video sparked widespread debate online, with some supporting her views and others criticizing her comments as inciteful. The NYSC’s action has sparked further discussion on the role of social media influencers and the boundaries of free speech within the context of the NYSC’s code of conduct.