Sowore Leads Protest at NYSC Headquarters, Demands Raye’s Discharge Certificate

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday, led a protest to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, demanding the immediate release of the discharge certificate of female corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye.

Sowore was joined by a group of activists, including human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who is also Raye’s legal representative. The protest follows allegations that the NYSC withheld her certificate after she criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement shared on his X (Twitter) account on Monday, Sowore wrote:

“By 9am tomorrow, we will resume at the Maitama Abuja HQ of the National Youth Service Corps @officialnyscng to receive the Discharge Certificate of Corp Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye ‘Raye’, who has successfully concluded her compulsory service.”

The NYSC, however, dismissed claims of political victimisation. In a statement issued on Sunday, the management described the allegations as “entirely unfounded and false,” explaining that Raye’s certificate was withheld due to her failure to attend the April 2025 mandatory biometric clearance, not because of her criticism of the federal government.

According to the NYSC, Raye is among 131 corps members sanctioned for valid disciplinary reasons. Her service year has been extended by two months, in line with the NYSC Bye-Laws, as a penalty for missing the clearance.

“Rita is among the 131 Corps Members whose Certificates of National Service were withheld for valid disciplinary reasons. Specifically, Rita’s service year has been extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometrics clearance, a decision that aligns with the NYSC Bye-Laws,” it said.

The NYSC further explained:

“It is important to note that this extension is a standard procedure and not unique to her case, and the principle of equal treatment was only applied in this case.”

While the NYSC insists its actions comply with established rules, Sowore and other activists maintain that Raye is being unfairly punished.