Viral Corper: NYSC Debunks Rumours Surrounding Raye's Discharge Certificate, Gives Expkanation for Service Extension
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has debunked claims circulating online that Corps Member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye (State Code: LA/24B/8325), popularly known as “Raye”, was denied her Certificate of National Service over criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing the allegations as false and without basis.
OTN News further reports that the NYSC, who debunked this claims in a statement issued on Sunday, said that her certificate was delayed for valid disciplinary reasons.
According to the statement, “contrary to these claims, Raye is one of 131 corps members whose CNS was withheld not as punishment for dissent, but for valid disciplinary reasons.
"Specifically, her service year was extended by two months because she failed to attend the April biometric clearance, as required by the NYSC Bye-Laws," the statement added.
Furthermore, the organisation emphasised that such extensions are standard procedure and applied uniformly, with no political motive involved.
Citing similar case in the past to buttress its claims, the NYSC said that, similar sanctions have long been imposed on corps members who failed to meet clearance obligations.
OTN News recall that Raye had earlier attracted public attention after a TikTok video in which she criticised the Tinubu administration and described Lagos as “smelling” place, went viral.
She was sanctioned by the organisation after the video went viral, and she later issued an apology after facing backlash over the video.
Her comments drew support from some politicians and activists, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore.
Subsequently, Sowore and other netizens claimed that the delay in issuing her certificate was politically motivated. The NYSC, however, insists the decision is strictly procedural.
While the incident has sparked wider debate about freedom of expression, the NYSC maintains that its actions are consistent with its regulations and not linked to political considerations.
The management, however, urged the public to assess the matter objectively and avoid politicising routine administrative processes.
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