Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for withholding the discharge certificate of Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a corps member who criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Uguamaye, also known as Raye, was allegedly denied her certificate after completing her one-year service due to her social media posts criticizing the government’s economic policies.
Atiku expressed dismay at the situation, questioning the motives behind the delay in issuing Uguamaye’s certificate, a critical document required for employment and further education.
“What manner of impunity is this? Everything should not be subjected to politics,” Atiku stated, adding that it’s unacceptable for someone who has served without queries to be denied their certificate a year after passing out.
He likened Uguamaye to historic female activists like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Margaret Ekpo, praising her courage and boldness in speaking truth to power.
Atiku called on the authorities to ensure Uguamaye receives her certificate, describing her treatment as unacceptable.
The NYSC had previously extended Uguamaye’s service year by two months, reportedly as punishment for her social media posts, a move widely condemned by civil rights groups and many Nigerians.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore also condemned the decision to withhold Uguamaye’s certificate, vowing to continue fighting for justice. Sowore credited Uguamaye’s courage with pushing the NYSC to increase corps members’ monthly allowance to ₦77,000.
