Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has announced plans for mass protests in Abuja and Lagos following the controversial withholding of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate of Lagos-based corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Rita Raye.
The protests, set to begin this week, aim to pressure the NYSC to release Rita’s certificate after she completed her service year. The NYSC extended her service by two months, a move activists claim is retaliation for her public criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration over worsening economic conditions.
Speaking during a live X Space titled #TalkWithSowore: Unpacking The Recent Events, Sowore stated, “We’re just coming from a meeting in Abuja, where people are already telling us to storm the NYSC secretariat. We will also mobilise for the Lagos protest. If nothing changes, we will storm NYSC offices this week.”
Rita Raye gained national attention in March after posting a viral video condemning economic hardship and alleging threats from NYSC officials demanding she delete the content. Despite enduring multiple disciplinary summons, she was informed of a service extension, sparking outrage among civil rights groups.
Sowore praised Rita’s courage, saying, “We are proud of you. You are not afraid, and a lot of Nigerians are behind you.” He also revealed that her activism contributed to the recent increase in corps members’ monthly allowance to ₦77,000.
Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has condemned the NYSC’s actions, calling the certificate seizure “illegal” and reminiscent of military-era repression. “The seizure of the NYSC Discharge Certificate is unlawful as it was not authorised by any competent court,” Falana stated, urging immediate release.