More Knocks for NYSC Over Raye’s Withheld Certificate,

.....Amnesty, Sowore link sanction to criticism of Tinubu

By Ekanem ASUQUO

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has come under renewed criticism over its decision to withhold the discharge certificate of corps member Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye,” whose viral social media posts criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

Global human rights body, Amnesty International, on Sunday, described the NYSC’s action as “unacceptable intolerance of dissenting voices,” alleging that the move was linked to Raye’s viral TikTok video in March where she lamented rising costs of living and called the president “terrible.”

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore also condemned the decision, pledging to fight until the certificate is released. He credited Raye’s courage with pushing for the recent increase in corps members’ monthly allowance to ₦77,000, saying, “Her fight is our fight.”

But in a swift response, the NYSC dismissed the claims as “entirely unfounded and false,” insisting the action was for “valid disciplinary reasons” unrelated to politics.

 The scheme said Raye, with state code LA/24B/8325, was among 131 corps members whose certificates were withheld for various infractions, noting that her service year was extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometric clearance exercise.

“This extension is a standard procedure and not unique to her case. The principle of equal treatment was applied as it is in all similar situations,” the statement read, urging the public to avoid politicising the matter.

Raye, however, alleged that NYSC officials threatened her and pressured her to delete her video, warning her against further criticism of the government. 

The incident has sparked fresh debate over whether corps members should be restricted from commenting on governance and national issues.