Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday led a protest to the National Youth Service Corps headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, demanding the release of the discharge certificate of corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye.”
Sowore was joined by a team of activists, including human rights lawyer and Raye’s legal counsel, Inibehe Effiong.
The group insisted that the NYSC had no justification to withhold her certificate.
In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Sowore announced the move, saying, “By 9am tomorrow, we will resume at the Maitama Abuja HQ of the NYSC to receive the Discharge Certificate of Corp Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye ‘Raye’, who has successfully concluded her compulsory service.”
He further vowed, “We will not allow the injustice meted to her to stand. She has served her country, and she deserves her certificate.”
Raye had alleged that the NYSC withheld her certificate because of her criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
However, the NYSC has denied the allegation, attributing the action to her failure to attend the mandatory April 2025 biometric clearance.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the scheme said, “Rita is among 131 corps members whose Certificates of National Service were withheld for valid disciplinary reasons. Specifically, her service year has been extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometrics clearance. This decision aligns with the NYSC Bye-Laws.”
The NYSC stressed that the sanction was not politically motivated, adding, “This extension is a standard procedure and not unique to her case. The principle of equal treatment was applied.”
Effiong, speaking at the protest ground, maintained that his client’s rights must be respected.
“Raye has fulfilled her obligations under the NYSC Act. Any administrative lapse should have been resolved without infringing on her right to her certificate,” he said.
