Ushie Rita Uguamaye, known as "Raye," a Lagos NYSC corps member, has accused the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) of withholding her discharge certificate in retaliation for her outspoken criticism of Bola Tinubu’s administration. Earlier in 2025, Raye posted a viral TikTok video condemning the Tinubu government for economic hardship and describing Lagos as a "smelling state," which drew significant public attention.
Ms. Uguamaye alleges that her Local Government Inspector (LGI) refused to clear her during the monthly clearance exercise, despite her presence, repeatedly pushing her aside until her file was seized and she was ordered to leave. NYSC officials later informed her that she would not receive her certificate on the grounds that she missed the April clearance - a claim she denies forcefully.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has publicly condemned this alleged punitive action, calling it an injustice and attributing it to efforts to silence dissent. Amnesty International has also urged the NYSC to release her certificate, denouncing the withholding as "unacceptable intolerance of dissenting voices" and a violation of her constitutional rights.
Despite the controversy and demands from human rights groups and civil society, the NYSC has not officially responded to these allegations as attempts to reach their Director of Press and Public Relations went unanswered.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns over political repression and freedom of expression in Nigeria, particularly toward individuals criticizing the current government.