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Rita Uguamaye accuses NYSC of politically motivated victimisation over two-month service extension.
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Petition alleges violation of constitutional rights and breach of NYSC Act.
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Lawyer warns that inaction may set a dangerous precedent for democracy.
Embattled corps member, Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, has formally petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the extension of her NYSC service year as “unlawful and politically motivated.”
The petition, submitted through her lawyer Inibehe Effiong, Esq., also copies the NYSC Director-General, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and other relevant stakeholders.
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 the two-month extension followed unfounded allegations that Raye failed to attend the April 2025 biometric monthly clearance.
Effiong insisted that Raye duly presented herself on April 7, 2025, but her Local Government Inspector, Ms. Veronica Abela, deliberately refused to screen her, citing political retaliation for her public criticisms of some Tinubu administration policies.
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Effiong further stressed that the Lagos State NYSC Coordinator threatened Raye with an extension prior to its imposition. The lawyer argued that the act constitutes abuse of power, a breach of the NYSC Act, and a violation of Raye’s constitutional rights to freedom of expression and fair hearing.
He warned that if the Presidency does not intervene, it may be seen as tacit approval of political victimisation within the NYSC.
The petition follows a previous complaint dated August 11, 2025, to the Director-General of NYSC, which Effiong said received no redress. The lawyer indicated that Raye may pursue judicial action should the unlawful extension not be reversed promptly.
