Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday, led a delegation to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) headquarters in Abuja to demand the release of the discharge certificate of corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye.”
Sowore, accompanied by other activists, including human rights lawyer and Raye’s legal representative, Inibehe Effiong, arrived at the Maitama office around 9 a.m. to press for the immediate issuance of the certificate.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, Sowore vowed to ensure justice for Raye, saying the alleged injustice against her would not be allowed to stand.
The controversy began after Raye accused the NYSC of withholding her discharge certificate in retaliation for her criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
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However, the NYSC refuted the claim, stating that the action had nothing to do with political commentary. In a statement on Sunday, the agency said her certificate was withheld because she failed to attend the mandatory April 2025 biometric clearance, leading to a two-month extension of her service year in line with the NYSC Bye-Laws.
According to the NYSC, Raye is one of 131 corps members whose certificates were withheld for “valid disciplinary reasons,” insisting that the measure was a standard procedure applied equally to all affected members.
The situation has sparked public debate, with Sowore and other activists calling for what they describe as fairness and accountability in the handling of corps members’ welfare.