Embattled Lagos State corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, has responded defiantly to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) over its decision to withhold her Certificate of National Service, declaring that her life remains fulfilling without it.
Speaking during a live TikTok session, Rita accused the NYSC of trying to appear “unshakeable” while alleging that some of its officials were guilty of breaking the same rules they enforce.
“I did not have that certificate before, yet my life is great. NYSC insists they are not giving me the certificate. NYSC is trying to prove they are unshakeable, whereas their own people are the ones breaking the rules. I am no longer interested in the certificate,” she said.
When asked whether she would comply with the two-month service extension imposed by the NYSC, she declined to give a direct answer.
The NYSC had earlier refuted claims circulating on social media that Rita was being denied her certificate because of critical remarks she made about the government, including a viral video in which she described Lagos as “smelling” and criticized President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
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In an official statement, the scheme described the allegations as “entirely unfounded,” stating that the sanction was based on valid disciplinary reasons. According to the NYSC, Rita is among 131 corps members whose certificates were withheld for various infractions.
“Specifically, Rita’s service year has been extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometrics clearance, a decision that aligns with the NYSC Bye-Laws,” the statement read.
Rita, however, insists she was present for the clearance and claims her Local Government Inspector (LGI) refused to process her file, repeatedly telling her to “go to the back” before eventually seizing her documents and ordering her to leave.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate online, with activists like Omoyele Sowore and political figures including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar weighing in on the matter. While some defend Rita’s right to free expression, others argue that corps members must adhere strictly to NYSC regulations.
