Rita Uguamaye Ushie has petitioned President Tinubu over what she calls an unlawful extension of her National Youth Service Corps,NYSC year, alleging victimisation.
In a strongly worded petition dated September 4, 2025, and signed by her lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, Ms. Uguamaye urged the President to reverse the decision of the NYSC which added two months to her service year and to direct the immediate release of her discharge certificate.
The petition was also sent to the NYSC Director-General, the National Human Rights Commission, and other relevant authorities.
The corps member’s troubles began in April when she was accused of missing the compulsory biometric monthly clearance. Ms. Uguamaye insists she attended the clearance exercise on April 7 but was deliberately denied approval by her Local Government Inspector, Ms. Veronica Abela. She believes this action was retaliation for her public criticism of the Tinubu administration.
Her written defence, which affirmed her attendance at the clearance, was allegedly disregarded by the Corps Disciplinary Committee.
She further alleged she was pressured to alter her statement to exclude any reference to her presence on the clearance date, a demand she refused.
In the petition, Effiong described the service year extension as unconstitutional, stressing that it infringed on Uguamaye’s rights to freedom of expression and fair hearing as guaranteed by Sections 39 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
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He argued that the extension also contravene provisions of the NYSC Act and sets a troubling precedent that could be used to silence dissent.
The lawyer noted that an earlier appeal dated August 11, 2025, to the NYSC Director-General went unanswered, prompting the escalation of the matter to the Presidency as permitted under Section 20 of the NYSC Act.
He warned that if the appeal is ignored, his client will approach the courts for redress and demand compensation.
While NYSC officials maintain that the extension of service years for corps members who fail to meet mandatory requirements is standard procedure under its bye-laws, activists have rallied behind Uguamaye, insisting she is being punished for her outspoken criticism of government policies.
Human rights groups and pro-democracy activists, including Omoyele Sowore, have also written to the NYSC management, demanding that her discharge certificate be issued without delay.
They argue that her case highlights an abuse of power and a worrying attempt to stifle free speech within national institutions.
For now, the Presidency has yet to issue a response, leaving Uguamaye’s fate hanging as the controversy draws wider public attention and sparks debate over the role of the NYSC in upholding constitutional rights.
Crediblenewsng.com
