By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have expressed strong disapproval of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria for withholding the Discharge Certificate of Ushie Uguamayei, also known as Raye, a youth corps member from Lagos.
Falana labeled the NYSC’s actions as “overzealous,” while Atiku described it as an act of impunity. Falana emphasized that the NYSC’s move was “illegal,” pointing out that no competent court had authorized such an action.
He compared the incident to a similar one in 1988, when the NYSC, under the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, seized the certificate of late human rights lawyer Bamidele Aturu for refusing to accept the best Corper award, which he rejected because he didn’t want to shake hands with the military governor of Niger State, Lt. Col. Lawan Gwadabe.
Falana noted that such practices occurred during a period when basic human rights were severely restricted. The human rights lawyer reminded the NYSC that under the current democratic government, the Constitution guarantees citizens, including Raye, the right to express their views, particularly under Section 39, which protects freedom of speech.
He also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech, where the President warned public officials against suppressing dissenting voices. Falana called on the NYSC to immediately release Raye’s certificate.
Atiku Abubakar echoed Falana’s sentiments, urging the NYSC to resolve the matter. He questioned whether the withholding of Raye’s certificate was politically motivated, following her criticism of the current administration’s handling of Nigeria’s economic issues. Atiku pointed out that Raye had served her country without any complaints and should have received her certificate long ago.
Raye’s criticism of the government went viral in March when she posted a video on TikTok, voicing her frustrations over Nigeria’s economic hardship, rising inflation, and the overall economic situation.
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