Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the alleged withholding of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate from Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, after she publicly criticised Nigeria’s economic situation.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, August 10, Atiku described the development as “unacceptable” and warned against what he called politically motivated punishment.
“What manner of impunity is this? Everything should not be subjected to politics.
“I hope that Ushie Rita Uguamaye’s NYSC discharge certificate is not being withheld because she had the courage to complain about the economic hardship under the President Bola Tinubu-led administration,” Atiku wrote.
“It is unacceptable that the young lady, who had served her country without queries, should not have received her National Youth Service Corps certificate one year after passing out.
“The appropriate authorities should take urgent steps to ensure that she gets her discharge certificate,” he added.
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Raye completed her one-year mandatory service in Lagos State. She gained public attention months ago after a viral video where she lamented rising living costs.
On Saturday, she claimed on Instagram that NYSC officials denied her certificate, alleging her Local Government Inspector refused to clear her for April despite her presence.
“I did not get my NYSC certificate today after one year of serving this country,” she said. “When it got to my turn, they said no certificate for you.”
Raye insisted she was deliberately blocked from clearance, her file seized, and told to leave the office.
She added, “The deep-rooted anger I feel and hatred is crazy because I don’t know who to direct it to.”
As of press time, the NYSC has not responded to the allegations.