NYSC Denies Political Motive in Withholding Corps Member ‘Raye’s’ Certificate, Cites Disciplinary Grounds
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed reports alleging that Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye” (State Code: LA/24B/8325), was denied her Certificate of National Service (CNS) as punishment for criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement released on Sunday, the NYSC described the claims as “false and without basis,” stressing that the decision to withhold her certificate was due to a clear breach of the scheme’s rules. According to the statement, Raye is among 131 corps members whose service years were extended for various disciplinary reasons.
“Contrary to these claims, Raye is one of 131 corps members whose CNS was withheld not as punishment for dissent, but for valid disciplinary reasons. Specifically, her service year was extended by two months because she failed to attend the April biometric clearance, as required by the NYSC Bye-Laws,” the statement read.
The management emphasised that such extensions are standard procedure and have long been imposed on corps members who fail to meet clearance obligations, with no political motive involved.
Raye became a subject of national attention earlier this year after a TikTok video in which she criticised the Tinubu administration and referred to Lagos as “smelling” went viral. The video sparked widespread reactions, prompting her to issue a public apology.
Her remarks, however, gained her both critics and supporters, with figures such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore rallying behind her. Sowore and several social media users later claimed that the NYSC’s action was politically motivated.
The scheme, however, insists its decision is strictly procedural and rooted in its regulations, unrelated to any political expression or opinion. The management urged the public to view the case through an objective lens and refrain from politicising what it described as routine administrative processes.
While the incident has triggered broader discussions on freedom of expression and the limits of dissent within official service schemes, the NYSC maintains it remains committed to fairness, discipline, and the uniform application of its bye-laws to all participants.
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