The controversy over the decision of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) to extend the service of Rita Ushie Uguamaiye popularly known as Raye have taken a new dimension as human rights activists have given NYSC a seven day ultimatum to rescind the decision or be prepared to face protests and legal actions.
The activists led by Omoyele Sowore and Inibehe Effiong held a protest at the NYSC headquarters in Abuja to make their feelings known and questioned the decision made the NYSC to punish “Raye” for criticizing the President.
Omoyele Sowore described the situation with Rita Ushie Uguamaiye “Raye” as an illegal act by the NYSC to with hold her discharge certificate and warned that legal steps will be taken to address the illegality
He said “Today, alongside indefatigable human rights attorney Barrister Inibehe Effiong and leaders of our movement, we marched to the NYSC Headquarters in Abuja to demand the release of Rita Ushie Uguamaiye “Raye’s” Discharge Certificate.
“Our protest took us straight to the 6th-floor offices of the NYSC Director-General, who was notably absent from his desk.
“In his absence, Barrister Inibehe delivered a strongly worded legal advisory, warning the DG to refrain from illegally withholding Raye’s Discharge Certificate.
“The DG has been given 7 days to act accordingly or face a mass protest without delay. We remain undaunted because her fight is our fight, and we will not stop until justice is done.”
Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong described the situation as an illegal attempt by the NYSC to punish Raye for her making her opinion known about the situation of the country.
He added that it is illegal for the NYSC to seize Raye’s NYSC certificate which is awarded in recognition of service to the country because she criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Inibehe Effiong claimed that Raye did not miss her clearance as declared by the NYSC as she presented herself for the monthly clearance but the Local government inspector (LGI) refused to attend to her allegedly because of orders from above.
He said “We have submitted a formal petition to the Director General of the NYSC today at the NYSC Headquarters in Abuja, demanding the reversal of the extension of the service period of Ms. Rita Uguamaye alias Raye by two months, and that her Certificate of National Service be issued to her immediately. History will vindicate the just.”
