Human rights advocate, Inibehe Effiong, has vowed to take legal action against the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) over what he termed the “persecution” of Lagos-based corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye. Raye first attracted public attention in March after criticising the federal government for worsening economic hardship. In a viral video released last week, she alleged that NYSC withheld her Discharge Certificate in retaliation for her comments against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The NYSC, in a statement on Sunday, denied any political motive, insisting her service year was extended by two months due to her absence from the April 2025 biometric clearance, in line with its bye-laws.
Effiong, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, rejected the NYSC’s explanation, claiming Raye was present in April but was intentionally refused clearance by officials in Eti-Osa Local Government Area. He revealed plans to formally write to the NYSC Director-General, stating, “If they don’t give us a favourable answer, by virtue of Section 20 of the NYSC Act, I’ll write to the President and Commander-in-Chief. The law says if we are not satisfied, we should write to the President before legal action.” He also noted that the NYSC had not officially communicated the reason for the extension to Raye and questioned why the explanation was given only at the end of her service year.
The lawyer accused the scheme of acting in bad faith and attempting to stifle free speech in Nigeria.
“What they are trying to achieve through Raye is to quell the voice of dissent in our country. Let Nigeria not be deceived; this has nothing to do with monthly clearance,” he asserted.
Effiong linked Raye’s troubles to her public lament over the high cost of goods and her inability to meet basic needs, arguing that her case is a clear example of using official processes to intimidate critics of the government.
