By Obinna Ezugwa
Omoyele Sowore, activist, publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate, alongside prominent rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, on Tuesday staged a protest at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, demanding the immediate release of the discharge certificate of female corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye.”
Sowore, who had announced the action via his X handle on Monday, said the protest was aimed at ensuring justice for Raye, whom he accused the NYSC of victimising.
“By 9am tomorrow, we will resume at the Maitama Abuja HQ of the National Youth Service Corps @officialnyscng to receive the Discharge Certificate of Corp Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye ‘Raye’, who has successfully concluded her compulsory service,” he wrote.
Raye had publicly alleged that her certificate was being withheld as retaliation for critical remarks she made about President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The allegation quickly gained traction on social media, drawing support from activists and civil society groups who argued that any punitive action based on political expression would be a violation of constitutional rights.
The NYSC, however, denied any political motivation. In a statement issued Sunday, it described Raye’s claims as “entirely unfounded and false,” insisting her case was purely administrative.
The agency said she was among 131 corps members whose discharge certificates were withheld for failing to meet mandatory service requirements.
Specifically, the NYSC said Raye failed to attend the compulsory April 2025 biometric clearance, a breach of the NYSC Bye-Laws.
As a result, her service year was extended by two months, a sanction it described as “standard procedure” applied equally to all affected corps members.
“It is important to note that this extension is a standard procedure and not unique to her case, and the principle of equal treatment was only applied in this case,” the statement read.
Although the NYSC’s explanation frames the matter as routine enforcement of its rules, activists say the case has exposed deeper concerns about transparency and accountability in the scheme’s disciplinary process.
Rights advocates argue that the NYSC’s handling of the issue has been clouded by poor communication and that the perception of political bias is worsened when sanctions involve individuals known for their outspoken criticism of the government.
