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Amnesty International Demands NYSC Release Certificate OOf Corps Member ‘Raye’ Who Criticised Tinubu

BySodiq Yusuf

PublishedAugust 10, 2025

Amnesty International has urged the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to immediately release the discharge certificate of corps member Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye,” accusing the agency of punishing her for criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a statement on Sunday, the global rights body described the NYSC’s decision as “unacceptable intolerance of dissenting voices” and an attempt to punish free expression.

“The National Youth Service Corp (sic) (NYSC) must rescind its arbitrary and outrageous decision to deny Rita Ushei, widely known as Raye, her NYSC discharge certificate upon completion of a year of national service to the nation. This shows unacceptable intolerance of dissenting voices,” Amnesty International said.

“The flagrant decision to withhold her certificate may not be unconnected with her comments on social media, on the widespread economic hardship as a result of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of punishing her by withholding her NYSC certificate for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritise addressing the country’s escalating economic woes.

“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with abuse of power and intimidation to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for the Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime.”

Amnesty International said millions of Nigerians are increasingly unable to meet basic needs such as food, education, and healthcare due to government policies introduced since May 2023.

OSUN DEFENDER earlier reported that Activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore also condemned the NYSC’s action, vowing to fight until justice is served. He accused the authorities of targeting Raye to silence her criticism and credited her activism with prompting the recent increase in corps members’ allowances to ₦77,000.

The NYSC had earlier extended Raye’s service year by two months, a move widely criticised by civil society groups as retaliation for her social media posts.

Raye’s TikTok videos detailed her frustration with the high cost of living, including eggs priced at ₦6,500, skyrocketing utility bills, transport fares of ₦25,000, and poor sanitation in Lagos. She labelled Tinubu “a terrible president,” saying his government had failed to address economic hardship.

Less than 24 hours after posting one of the videos, she began receiving calls from NYSC officials allegedly pressuring her to delete the content. In a recorded call, a female official was heard asking, “Are you normal?” before ordering her to “pull down that rubbish.”

Raye claimed she was threatened, expressing fear because NYSC had her personal details, including her home address.

She stressed that calling the president “terrible” was not an insult but a statement of opinion.

Sodiq Yusuf

Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.