The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to step in over the withheld discharge certificate of Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as ‘Raye,’ a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member whose case has sparked national outrage.
Raye, who went viral earlier this year for a TikTok video criticizing Nigeria’s economic situation under the current administration, alleged that NYSC officials threatened her to delete the post and later denied her the certificate on her passing out day.
SERAP condemned the NYSC’s action, describing it as an attack on free speech and a dangerous precedent, urging Tinubu to safeguard citizens’ constitutional rights.
The NYSC, however, denied political motives, claiming Raye and 130 others missed the mandatory April biometric clearance, resulting in a two-month service extension as per its bye-laws.
Raye countered the claim, alleging deliberate obstruction from completing her clearance. Her story has drawn condemnation from figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, and activist Omoyele Sowore, who credited her activism with influencing recent increases in corps members’ allowances and vowed to ensure she gets justice.
