Falana, Atiku Slam NYSC Over Withholding of Corps Member’s Certificate

edutvnigeria

11/08/25 • 29 Views • 0 Share • Published in News

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, have strongly criticised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for withholding the discharge certificate of Lagos-based corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye — a move that has triggered nationwide debate on rights, accountability, and free expression.

Falana condemned the NYSC’s action as “overzealous” and “illegal,” stressing that no court had sanctioned the seizure of Raye’s certificate. He likened the move to authoritarian practices of the past, recalling the 1988 case of the late activist Bamidele Aturu, whose NYSC certificate was confiscated after he refused to shake hands with the then military governor of Niger State, Lt. Col. Lawan Gwadabe.

“Such acts of suppression belong to the dark days of military rule,” Falana said, warning that under Nigeria’s democratic system, Raye’s freedom of expression is guaranteed by Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution. He urged NYSC to heed President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day caution against silencing dissent and to release the certificate without delay.

Atiku Abubakar described the NYSC’s stance as “impunity,” questioning whether Raye’s outspoken criticism of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies influenced the decision. He argued that she had completed her service without formal queries and should receive her certificate without political interference.

Raye drew public attention in March after a viral TikTok video in which she lamented soaring inflation, rising prices, and the economic struggles of Nigerians. Her remarks struck a chord with many youths but also sparked backlash from government supporters.

While NYSC insists her certificate was withheld for missing the April 2025 biometric clearance — an infraction that led to a two-month extension of service — critics argue the explanation fails to dispel suspicions of political retribution.

The case has since become a flashpoint in debates about Nigeria’s democratic freedoms, with hashtags like **#JusticeForRaye** trending nationwide. As public pressure mounts, the question remains whether NYSC will reverse its decision or stand firm, as legal and political heavyweights continue to rally behind the young corps member.

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