The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has defended its decision to withhold the certificate of Lagos corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, insisting the move was due to valid disciplinary reasons and not political victimisation.
Raye, who went viral on TikTok for criticising President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s economic crisis and describing him as “a terrible leader,” was among 131 corps members whose Certificates of National Service were withheld for failing to attend the April 2025 biometric clearance, according to the NYSC’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu.
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Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, strongly disagreed with the explanation, describing the action as “illegal” and “a cheap demonstration of over-zealousness.” He likened it to the 1988 case of late activist Bamidele Aturu, whose NYSC certificate was seized for rejecting a handshake with a military governor.
Falana argued that no competent court had authorised the seizure of Raye’s certificate and insisted that her criticism of the government was protected under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. He urged the NYSC to honour President Tinubu’s Democracy Day remarks, which cautioned public officers against suppressing dissent.
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“Since Nigeria is under a democratic government, Rita Uguamaye’s right to criticise the government is guaranteed,” Falana stated. “The NYSC should release her certificate without delay.”
In its defence, the NYSC maintained that Raye’s case was “a standard procedure” under its bye-laws and had nothing to do with her political views. The agency stressed that extending a service year for non-compliance with official clearance requirements is a longstanding policy applied equally to all corps members.
“Contrary to false claims, Rita’s certificate was not withheld because of critical remarks about the government. She is among 131 corps members whose service years were extended for failing to meet clearance requirements,” the NYSC’s statement read.
The controversy has sparked nationwide debate, with many Nigerians questioning whether the punishment was proportionate, while others insist that rules must be followed regardless of political affiliations.
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