Plans are in motion for mass protests in Abuja and Lagos as supporters of Ushie Rita Uguamaye — widely known as Rita Raye — prepare to march on National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) offices, demanding the release of her discharge certificate and an end to what they call political victimisation.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore revealed the protest plans during an X Space conversation titled #TalkWithSowore: Unpacking The Recent Events.
“We just came from a meeting in Abuja where people said we should storm the NYSC secretariat tomorrow,” Sowore said. “We’ll also mobilise for Lagos. If nothing changes, Monday, Tuesday, or within the week, we’ll be there.”
The case that sparked outrage
Rita completed her NYSC service year but was told she must serve an extra two months — a punishment widely believed to be linked to her outspoken criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in March.
Her viral video at the time drew national attention to worsening economic hardship and alleged harassment by NYSC officials, who she claims pressured her to delete the clip. Civil rights groups have condemned the NYSC’s actions as an attack on free speech.
Sowore and Falana join the fight
Sowore praised Rita’s courage, telling her, “You’re not afraid, and a lot of Nigerians are behind you.” He also claimed her case indirectly led to the recent increase in corps members’ monthly allowance to ₦77,000.
Earlier on Sunday, senior lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) called on the NYSC to immediately release Rita’s certificate, describing its seizure as “illegal and overzealous.” He argued no court had authorised the action, likening it to abuses common during Nigeria’s military era.
Falana cited a similar incident in 1988 when activist Bamidele Aturu’s certificate was seized for refusing an award from a military governor — an act he said has no place in a democracy.
Growing pressure on NYSC
Activists have vowed to mobilise at NYSC’s Passing-Out Parade if the agency fails to clear Rita. For now, all eyes are on the protests expected to kick off this week, as the standoff between NYSC and its critics escalates into a national test of free expression.
