SERAP calls on President Tinubu, NYSC to issue Raye’s certificate

Social Economic Right and Accountability Project (SERAP), a non partisan and non-profit legal and advocacy organization in Nigeria, has urged President Tinubu to direct DG of NYSC, in releasing Miss Ushie Rita Uguamaye’s discharge certificate.

In an official statement made on X (formerly Twitter), SERAP asserts that withholding Rita, also known as Raye’s discharge certificate is blatant violation of the section 39 of the Nigerian constitution (as amended), and article 9 of the African charter on Human and People’s rights.

“Withdholding her certificate is without any lawful justification and contrary to the provisions of section 11 of the NYSC Act which provides that, “The Directorate shall, on completion of the service of a member of the service corps unless such person is exempted under section 17 of this Act, issue him [her] with a Certificate of National Service which shall contain such particulars as may be prescribed.”

A few months ago, Rita, who goes by the name Raye, expressed her criticism of the Nigerian Government regarding the economic difficulties while she was still participating in the NYSC, and has been engaged with serious lash back from the Government agency.

“Punishing Miss Uguamaye for her criticism demonstrates Nigerian authorities’ intolerance toward citizens who speaks out for human rights and social justice. The NYSC shouldn’t be withholding the certificate of Corps members or punishing them in any shape or form simply for their simply for their peaceful opinions”, the statement added.

Also, the non-partisan and advocacy organization has called on Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold the Human rights of everyone in the country and his promise.

“We’ll hold the NYSC leadership to account if Miss Uguamaye’s certificate is not immediately released”, SERAP affirmed.