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Local government

NYSC Accused of Retaliation Against Corps Member Criticizing Tinubu Government

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Rita Uguamaye, a Lagos youth corps member, has alleged that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is withholding her discharge certificate in retaliation for her criticism of President Bola Tinubu's government. Ms Uguamaye, popularly known as "Raye," made headlines earlier this year after a viral TikTok video in which she criticized the president's administration and described Lagos as "smelling." The corps member has further claimed that her Local Government Inspector (LGI) refused to clear her for April, despite her being present on the scheduled date, and instead seized her file and ordered her to leave.

Ms Uguamaye's allegations have drawn national attention, with human rights activist and SaharaReporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, accusing the NYSC of punishing her for her criticism. Mr Sowore has also praised Ms Uguamaye's courage, likening her to Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Margaret Ekpo. The Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has warned against silencing critics, while the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Tinubu to order the NYSC to stop harassing Ms Uguamaye.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rita Uguamaye, a Lagos youth corps member, has alleged that the NYSC is withholding her discharge certificate in retaliation for her criticism of President Bola Tinubu's government.
  • Ms Uguamaye made headlines earlier this year after a viral TikTok video in which she criticized the president's administration and described Lagos as "smelling."
  • The corps member has further claimed that her Local Government Inspector (LGI) refused to clear her for April, despite her being present on the scheduled date.
  • Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist, has accused the NYSC of punishing Ms Uguamaye for her criticism.
  • Mr Sowore has praised Ms Uguamaye's courage, likening her to Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Margaret Ekpo.
  • The Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has warned against silencing critics.
  • The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Tinubu to order the NYSC to stop harassing Ms Uguamaye.
  • Trade Union Congress (TUC) president Festus Osifo has said that Ms Uguamaye's comments reflect public frustration and should not be met with retaliation.
  • Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has criticized Ms Uguamaye's actions, arguing that corps members should focus on their service duties and remain apolitical.

Statistics:

  • Ms Uguamaye's viral TikTok video criticizing President Tinubu's government has drawn national attention.
  • The NYSC has not commented on the matter, with efforts to reach its Director of Press and Public Relations, Edwin Megwa, unsuccessful.
  • Ms Uguamaye has alleged that she received threats from NYSC officials pressuring her to delete the content and feared for her safety.

Sources:

  • SaharaReporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore
  • The Lagos State government
  • The NYSC (no date provided)
  • Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar
  • The Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi
  • The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
  • Trade Union Congress (TUC) president Festus Osifo
  • Former presidential aide Reno Omokri
  • SaharaReporters
  • Instagram (no date provided)

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