Why we are backing NYSC member summoned over viral anti-Tinubu video – Sowore, lawyer

By Efe Onodjae

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and human rights lawyer Festus Ogun have declared their support for Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member facing backlash over her viral video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Sowore, in a photo shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, revealed that he had met with Uguamaye in Lagos and would be accompanying her to the NYSC Local Government Inspector’s (LGI) office alongside a team of attorneys.

“The journey with youth corper Ushie Rita Uguamaye has commenced in Lagos. She is scheduled to appear before the LGI today, and we will escort her to their offices. We are all en route with attorneys,” Sowore captioned the video.

Uguamaye went viral after posting a TikTok video lamenting the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria and openly criticizing Tinubu’s leadership. She later claimed to have received threats over her comments, sparking widespread debate on free speech and political dissent in Nigeria.

She also shared a screenshot of an NYSC invitation, summoning her to appear before the LGI office at Eti-Osa 3 on Monday at 10:00 a.m.

However, human rights lawyer Festus Ogun, who was among the legal representatives, revealed on Facebook that upon their arrival, the Local Government Inspector (LGI) was absent.

“Standing in solidarity with youth corper Ushie Rita Uguamaye at the Eti-Osa Lagos NYSC office. The LGI, who asked her to show up today, obviously absconded, as she was nowhere to be found. We owe her the duty to provide legal, moral, and revolutionary support,” Ogun wrote.

He also disclosed that Raye, who was mobilized in Batch B 2024, has just two months left to complete her NYSC service.

The case has sparked discussions on freedom of expression, with many questioning the NYSC’s actions and the broader implications for political dissent in Nigeria.