It was drama yesterday at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) headquarters in Abuja as activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore led a protest demanding the immediate release of Ms Ushie Rita Uguamaye’sdischarge certificate.
According to allegations, Ms Uguamaye — who served under State Code LA/24B/8325 — had her service year unjustly extended, sparking outrage among human rights advocates and legal experts.
Omo, protest don enter NYSC matter o!
“She Served Her Country, Give Her the Certificate” – Sowore
Speaking to protesters, Sowore insisted that the corps member had completed her national service and should not be punished for exercising her right to free speech.
He accused NYSC officials of using the scheme as a tool for political retaliation and demanded accountability.
Lawyers Petition NYSC Boss
During the protest, lawyers from Inibehe Effiong Chambers submitted a formal letter to the NYSC Director-General, detailing alleged acts of victimisation and abuse of office.
The petition, dated August 11, 2025, accused Local Government Inspector Ms Veronica Abela of refusing to process Ms Uguamaye’s biometric clearance in April 2025, allegedly because she criticised the Bola Tinubu-led administration’s policies.
The letter claimed her file was seized, she was denied a fair hearing, and her service year was extended without just cause — a violation of Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Alleged Threats from NYSC Officials
The petition further alleged that the Lagos State NYSC Coordinator had threatened Ms Uguamaye with an extension of service if she continued criticising government policies.
“The NYSC is established as a neutral, non-partisan institution — not a weapon for political retribution,” the lawyers stated.
They warned that if the NYSC failed to comply, the case would be escalated to the Presidency and pursued in court.
NYSC DG Absent During Protest
The protesters did not meet NYSC Director-General Brig-Gen Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, as he was reportedly away on official assignment.
For now, the NYSC has not issued an official response, and activists say the pressure will continue until Ms Uguamaye receives her discharge certificate.
