Human rights lawyer Femi Falana and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have faulted the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for withholding the discharge certificate of Lagos corps member Ushie Uguamayei, popularly known as Raye.
Falana described the NYSC’s action as “overzealousness” and “illegal,” noting that it lacked authorisation from any competent court. He likened it to the 1988 confiscation of Bamidele Aturu’s certificate for refusing to shake hands with a military governor, warning that suppressing dissent undermines democracy. He urged the NYSC to release Raye’s certificate immediately, citing constitutional rights to free expression.
Atiku, in his statement, called the move “impunity” and questioned whether Raye’s public criticism of the Tinubu administration was behind the decision. He stressed that she had served without queries and should not be denied her certificate more than a year after completing service.
Raye had drawn attention in March after posting a viral TikTok video criticising the government for worsening economic hardship and rising inflation.
