The Amnesty International, has rebuked the National Youth Service Corps ,NYSC, for withholding the discharge certificate of Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye,” despite completing her one-year national service.
The rights organization in a statement on Sunday, charged the NYSC to immediately reverse its decision.
It described the NYSC’s action as “unacceptable intolerance of dissenting voices” and an attempt to punish free expression.
“The National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) must rescind its arbitrary and outrageous decision to deny Rita Ushei, widely known as Raye, her NYSC discharge certificate upon completion of a year of national service to the nation. This shows unacceptable intolerance of dissenting voices,” Amnesty International said.
“The flagrant decision to withhold her certificate may not be unconnected with her comments on social media, on the widespread economic hardship as a result of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of punishing her by withholding her NYSC certificate for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritise addressing the country’s escalating economic woes.
Raye’s travesty is unconnected with her expression on social media, which the NYSC authorities deemed criticism against President Bola Tinubu.
But according to the Amnesty International “The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with abuse of power and intimidation to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for the Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime.”
Rita had posted a video on TikTok, where she tearfully expressed frustration over the rising cost of goods in Nigeria. Her emotional post quickly gained attention, prompting a response from the NYSC board.
Raye who at the time faced threats to her life, also had her service year extended by months as punishment for her social media posts — a move widely condemned by civil rights groups and many Nigerians.
