Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for denying corps member Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, her discharge certificate. Sowore described the action as a gross injustice and promised to fight for justice for the former corps member. Raye was denied her certificate after a viral video in March, in which she criticized the present administration, alleging that NYSC officials threatened her to delete the video.
The controversy began when Raye posted a video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration, highlighting Nigeria’s economic hardships and describing Lagos as “smelling” with “poor living conditions”. Following the video, the NYSC summoned her to appear before the Local Government Inspector (LGI) in Eti-Osa, Lagos. However, when Raye arrived with Sowore and her lawyers, the official who issued the summons was absent. The matter resurfaced on June 18, when Raye was again summoned to appear before a disciplinary panel at the Iyana Ipaja NYSC orientation camp in Lagos.
After a series of delays, the NYSC informed Raye that her service year had been extended by two months, a decision that ultimately prevented her from receiving her discharge certificate on schedule. Sowore and civil rights groups have condemned the development, accusing the NYSC of trying to silence dissent. Sowore hailed Raye’s resilience, crediting her outspoken activism for a significant win for corps members, including a raise in their monthly allowance to ₦77,000.
Sowore vowed to stand by Raye until justice is served, saying, “We promised to see that you got justice, and we will not give up until we all do.” He praised Raye’s courage and credited her activism for securing a notable win for corps members. “Her fight is our fight,” he added, emphasizing his commitment to the cause.
The case has ignited a broader debate on freedom of expression in Nigeria, with many questioning whether the NYSC’s actions reflect a wider clampdown on dissenting voices. As the controversy deepens, Raye’s case continues to highlight the tensions between state institutions and individual rights in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
