Outrage in Nigeria over Alleged Extension of Corps Member Service Year for Criticizing Tinubu

The National Youth Service Corps has denied extending the service year of a Lagos corper, Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, for criticising the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Uguamaye had, in a viral video shared on her TikTok account, @talktoraye, expressed frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, lamenting the high inflation and economic hardship.

She had also criticised the President by describing him as a “terrible leader” while questioning the government’s efforts to alleviate the hardship faced by the citizens.

Following her allegations, several individuals, including ex-Vice President Abubakar Atiku and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, condemned the alleged threat to her life.

Sharing a news caption on Tuesday that read, “NYSC punitively extends Raye’s service year by 2 months for criticising Tinubu’s administration over hardship,” Sowore vowed to protest at the NYSC passing out parade.

When contacted on Tuesday, the acting NYSC Director, Press and Public Relations, Carol Embu, said the decision to extend a corps member’s service year is made when such a person is passing out.

She disclosed that there are guidelines that would be followed if such an action were to be taken.

“Who is Sowore? Does he work with the NYSC? So, how come you are listening to him? I don’t understand how she will get an extension if she is still serving.

NYSC is not an irresponsible organisation; we work with rules and regulations. She is still serving; if she has any issues, we will wait and see,” Embu said.

Meanwhile, our correspondent could not independently verify the claim of a service year extension from Uguamaye.

She also did not make any post on such a claim on her social media handles.

The Netherlands has officially returned 119 ancient sculptures stolen from the former Nigerian kingdom of Benin over 120 years ago during the colonial era.

The artefacts, known as the Benin Bronzes, are a significant part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Olugbile Holloway, director-general of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments, described the artefacts as “embodiments of the spirit and identity of the people from which they were taken from.”

The return of the Benin Bronzes is part of a growing trend of Western governments returning items taken during imperialism.

Germany has also agreed to return over 1,000 additional pieces.

The artefacts will be shared between the National Museum in Lagos and the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, the traditional ruler of the Kingdom of Benin in southern Nigeria.

The Benin Bronzes, which include metal and ivory sculptures dating back to the 16th to 18th centuries, were stolen in 1897 when British forces ransacked the Benin kingdom.

Nigeria formally requested the return of hundreds of objects from museums worldwide in 2022, and this return is a significant step towards restitution.

Iran has launched a missile attack on the Al Udeid US airbase in Qatar, in response to recent US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities.

The attack, which was confirmed by the Iranian Armed Forces, is seen as a significant escalation of tensions between the two countries.

According to reports, six missiles were launched towards the Al Udeid airbase, which is the largest US military installation in the Middle East and serves as the forward headquarters of Central Command.

Qatar’s airspace was temporarily closed, and US and UK citizens were advised to shelter in place.

Iranian state-run news also reported that US military installations in Iraq were targeted by ballistic missiles.

US President Donald Trump is attending a National Security Council meeting to discuss the situation, after earlier floating the idea of regime change in Iran.

The White House described Trump’s comments as “simply raising a question”.

Trump had previously warned that any retaliation by Iran would be “met by force far greater”.

Meanwhile, Israel has claimed to be targeting Tehran with “unprecedented force”, including attacks on access routes to the Fordow nuclear site and Evin prison.

The situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate, with diplomatic solutions being sought to mitigate the crisis.

Qatar has condemned the attack on the US airbase, calling it a “flagrant violation” and reserving the right to respond directly.

The country’s defence systems intercepted incoming missiles, and no casualties have been reported so far.