The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed claims that it withheld the discharge certificate of Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as “Raye,” due to her public criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement released on Sunday, NYSC spokesperson Caroline Embu described the allegations as “false and without basis.” She explained that Raye was one of 131 corps members whose certificates were withheld for valid disciplinary reasons.
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“Raye’s service year was extended by two months because she failed to attend the April biometric clearance, as required by the NYSC Bye-Laws,” the statement read.
The scheme emphasized that this extension is a standard procedure applied uniformly to all corps members who fail to meet their clearance obligations, with “no political motive involved.” The statement concluded that the principle of “equal treatment” was applied in her case.
Raye, who was serving in Lagos State, gained public attention months ago through a viral video where she lamented the country’s rising living costs and economic difficulties.
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On Saturday, she took to Instagram to allege that she was denied her certificate, claiming that NYSC officials told her she failed to complete her April clearance. She strongly disputed this, stating she had presented herself for clearance but was repeatedly told by her Local Government Inspector (LGI) to wait. She further alleged that the LGI later refused to clear her, seized her file, and asked her to leave the office.
The NYSC’s statement comes amid public outcry and condemnation from prominent figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and human rights lawyer Femi Falana, both of whom have called for the immediate release of her certificate.
