A fresh controversy has hit the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) after an embattled corps member, Ms. Rita Uguamaye—popularly known as Raye—petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to reverse what she described as an “unlawful and politically motivated” extension of her service year.
Through her counsel, fiery human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, Ms. Uguamaye accused the NYSC of weaponising its disciplinary powers to punish her for exercising her constitutional right to free expression after she criticised certain policies of the Tinubu administration.
In a strongly worded petition addressed to the Presidency—and copied to the NYSC Director-General, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and other key stakeholders—Effiong alleged that the two-month extension slammed on his client was nothing short of victimisation, abuse of office, and a grave violation of the Constitution.
The controversy began in April 2025 when Uguamaye was accused of failing to present herself for the biometric monthly clearance. Effiong, however, insisted that his client was present on April 7 but was “deliberately denied clearance” by her Local Government Inspector (LGI), Ms. Veronica Abela.
According to the petition, Abela’s action was “an act of retaliation” directly linked to Uguamaye’s vocal criticism of government policies. The letter further claimed that the LGI pressured Uguamaye to alter her official written response to conceal the truth.
Despite sending a formal petition to the NYSC Director-General on August 11, 2025, Uguamaye received no response. With no redress forthcoming, her counsel escalated the matter to the Presidency in line with Section 20 of the NYSC Act, which permits corps members to appeal directly to the President before heading to court.
“The DG of NYSC, who is statutorily obligated to ensure fairness and discipline within the scheme, has failed to act,” Effiong declared, stressing that the Presidency’s intervention had become imperative.
Constitutional Violations Cited
The petition accused NYSC officials of:
Violation of freedom of expression (Section 39, 1999 Constitution): Punishing a corps member for criticising government policies “portrays NYSC as a partisan and oppressive institution.”
Denial of fair hearing (Section 36): The disciplinary process allegedly ignored Uguamaye’s explanations, setting aside due process.
Dangerous precedent for democracy: Effiong warned that unchecked, such acts could embolden officials to silence dissent through the NYSC.
Call on Tinubu
Effiong urged President Tinubu to immediately order the reversal of the extension and direct the prompt issuance of Uguamaye’s discharge certificate.
“This case provides Your Excellency with an opportunity to demonstrate that your administration does not condone the political victimisation of young Nigerians,” Effiong wrote. “Failure to intervene may be interpreted as tacit presidential approval of persecution under the NYSC.”
The petition cautioned that if the Presidency fails to act, the matter will be dragged to court, with Uguamaye seeking enforcement of her fundamental rights and damages against all culpable officers.
The case has sparked debates about the neutrality of the NYSC scheme, a unifying national institution that has long prided itself on impartiality. Human rights advocates warn that politicising the Corps could erode public confidence in both the NYSC and the Tinubu government.
Effiong concluded: “The Presidency must act decisively, not only to protect Ms. Uguamaye’s rights but also to safeguard the credibility of the NYSC and Nigeria’s democratic values.”
PIONEER NEWS 