‘Overzealous, Illegal’: Falana Demands Raye’s NYSC Certificate Released
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have strongly criticised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for withholding the discharge certificate of Lagos corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye.”
Falana described the move as “overzealous” and “illegal,” arguing it lacked authorisation from any competent court. Citing a similar incident in 1988 involving the late rights activist Bamidele Aturu, Falana said the seizure echoed military-era suppression of dissent.
“Since Nigeria is under a democratic government, Rita Uguamaye’s fundamental right to criticise the government is guaranteed by Section 39 of the Constitution,” Falana said, urging the NYSC to comply with President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day call for tolerance of criticism.
Atiku also weighed in, accusing the NYSC of “impunity” and warning against politicising the matter. He questioned whether the certificate was withheld because Raye had spoken out against economic hardship under the Tinubu administration.
“It is unacceptable that the young lady, who had served her country without queries, should not have received her NYSC certificate one year after passing out,” Atiku said, calling for its immediate release.
Raye gained national attention in March after a viral TikTok video in which she accused the government of worsening Nigeria’s economic woes. The NYSC insists her sanction was for missing an April 2025 clearance, not for her political views.
