Omoyele Sowore urges NYSC to drop service extension for Raye, calling it political retaliation.
He and lawyer Inibehe Effiong demand her certificate release, insisting corps members serve the nation, not leaders.
Human rights activist and former African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to immediately withdraw the two-month service extension imposed on Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye.
Raye, who gained online attention for her outspoken criticism of the government, had gone viral on TikTok after lamenting the rising cost of living, high inflation, and worsening economic hardship. In her video, she described President Bola Tinubu as a “terrible leader” and questioned the administration’s efforts to address citizens’ struggles.
On Tuesday, Sowore, accompanied by activist and lawyer Inibehe Effiong, visited the NYSC headquarters in Abuja to demand the immediate release of Raye’s Certificate of National Service. Uguamaye had earlier disclosed that she was denied the certificate despite completing her one-year service.
The NYSC claimed that she failed to sign her April clearance and insisted that the penalty applied to her was consistent with the treatment of 131 other corps members who were also denied their certificates for various infractions.
Speaking to journalists, Sowore argued that the punishment was politically motivated and meant to silence Raye for her criticism of the government.
“As you all know, the NYSC’s only accusation is that she missed one biometric clearance. Generally, even when it comes to clearances, the rule is stricter only after missing three, not one. This is clearly retaliation for speaking out against hardship under the Tinubu government,” he stated.
Effiong also criticized the NYSC’s decision, stressing that the certificate represents service to the nation, not to any political leader.
“What is issued after service is a Certificate of National Service not a certificate of presidential service. Corps members serve the country, not the President or the NYSC Director-General,” he said.
Effiong alleged that Raye’s ordeal began after she referred to the President as “terrible” a view he said was shared by many Nigerians. He further claimed that in April, the Local Government Inspector for Eti-Osa, Mrs. Veronica Abella, confiscated Raye’s file, preventing her from completing her biometric clearance.
The activist described the situation as a misuse of state institutions, adding that Uguamaye had been left traumatized and isolated. He urged Nigerians to resist attempts to intimidate and scapegoat outspoken citizens.
Sowore concluded, “We condemn this in the strongest terms. If we allow this to go unchecked, others will be targeted next. This is about principle we must oppose it so it does not continue.”
