In light of the ongoing conflict between Raye and the Nigerian government, legal expert Stan Alieke has shared his perspectives on the importance of exercising caution when discussing government matters while serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).


In an Instagram post, Alieke emphasized that corps members are considered government employees and must adhere to specific employment regulations. These rules prohibit them from making certain statements that criticize their employer—the government.


As he explained, “A corps member is an employee of the government; you earn stipends from the government. Therefore, according to employment policy, you are restricted from making negative statements against your employer. This principle isn’t unique to government positions; many organizations uphold similar policies. Criticizing your employer publicly can lead to severe repercussions, including being questioned or even terminated.”


While Alieke acknowledged that the legality of these restrictions could be debated, he underscored the importance of understanding and respecting the rules that come with the role: “Once you sign up, you need to adhere to them.”


He directed a specific note of caution to Raye, advising her to remain grounded and not to be swayed by the transient support that social media may offer. “My sincere advice to the NYSC member is to recognize the implications of her actions and resist the temptation to be misled by social media popularity. While online support can seem enticing, it can ultimately lead to your downfall, leaving you abandoned when the consequences hit.”


Alieke also warned of the potential long-term repercussions of being dismissed from the NYSC, noting that it could severely limit job opportunities in Nigeria. “If you are expelled from the NYSC, your chances of securing employment diminish, as many organizations require an NYSC certificate for hiring. To fully understand the ramifications, I encourage her to review her NYSC handbook.”

Raye, who attracted significant attention for her outspoken video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s government over the rising cost of living, has found herself at the center of a heated debate about free speech and the responsibilities of corps members. NYSC officials have already threatened disciplinary action, sparking ongoing discussions about the balance between personal expression and professional obligations.


As this situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by young Nigerians navigating the intersection of social media, employment, and civic responsibility.