Tension at NYSC Office as Activist Sowore Joins Corps Member in Confronting Summon Over Tinubu Criticism

 

On March 17, 2025, a dramatic scene unfolded at the Eti-Osa Local Government Inspector (LGI) office of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Lagos, Nigeria, when a corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye—widely known as Raye—arrived with prominent human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and a team of supporters. The visit followed a summons issued by the NYSC after Raye posted a viral TikTok video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Reports indicate that the NYSC official who had called Raye in for questioning was conspicuously absent when she and her entourage arrived, prompting speculation that the official had fled the scene.

The Viral Video That Sparked the Controversy

The incident traces back to a heartfelt video Raye uploaded on TikTok under the handle

@talktoraye

. In the clip, the young corps member broke down in tears, expressing her frustration over Nigeria’s escalating economic hardships. She highlighted the soaring cost of living, particularly the rising prices of goods, and called out President Tinubu, labeling him a “terrible” leader. Raye also lamented the inadequacy of the NYSC monthly allowance, which she said failed to cover basic expenses like transportation and food, especially in a city like Lagos, which she described as plagued by poor living conditions.

Her emotional outcry resonated with many Nigerians, quickly gaining traction online. However, it also drew the attention of NYSC authorities. Within a day of the video’s circulation, Raye claimed she received calls from NYSC officials pressuring her to remove the content and warning her of consequences. A subsequent directive from the Eti-Osa LGI, documented with her corps member code LA/24B/832, instructed her to report to the office by 10 a.m. on Monday, March 17, without fail.

Sowore Steps In: A Show of Solidarity

The summons might have gone unnoticed by the broader public if not for the intervention of Omoyele Sowore, a well-known activist and former presidential candidate. Sowore, who has long championed free speech and criticized government overreach, took up Raye’s cause, rallying support for her online and pledging to accompany her to the NYSC office. On the morning of March 17, he made good on that promise, arriving at the Eti-Osa LGI office alongside Raye, a team of lawyers—including Festus Ogun, Adeyinka Oyesomi, and Ojienoh Justice—and other supporters.

In a post on X, Sowore detailed their arrival: “We arrived at the Eti-Osa LGI offices of the National Youth Service Corps with youth Corper, Ushie Rita Uguamaye in Lagos. She was scheduled to appear before the LGI today, and we escorted her to their offices with attorneys.” However, he noted a surprising twist: the LGI official who had issued the summons was nowhere to be found. “The LGI official had absconded, failing to show up throughout our stay,” Sowore added, vowing, “We will be back!”

A No-Show Sparks Debate

The absence of the NYSC official has fueled widespread speculation and debate. Some view it as an intentional avoidance of confrontation, given the high-profile nature of Sowore’s involvement and the growing public support for Raye. Others suggest it reflects internal disarray or reluctance to escalate the situation further. Whatever the reason, the official’s disappearance has only amplified the controversy, turning what might have been a routine disciplinary matter into a national talking point.

Raye’s case has struck a chord with many Nigerians, who see her as a symbol of the frustrations felt by the younger generation amid economic challenges. Her criticism of Tinubu’s leadership echoes sentiments expressed across social media, where hashtags like #TinubuIsATerriblePresident have begun trending. Supporters argue that her right to free expression, enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution, should protect her from reprisals, especially as a civilian fulfilling her mandatory national service.

Broader Support and Criticism

The incident has drawn reactions from various quarters. High-profile figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised Raye’s courage, comparing her to iconic Nigerian activists like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. “She deserves encouragement, not hostility,” Atiku wrote on X. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also weighed in, urging President Tinubu to ensure the NYSC ceases any harassment, emphasizing that freedom of speech is a fundamental right.

Conversely, some voices, including former presidential aide Reno Omokri, have criticized Raye, arguing that corps members should focus on their service rather than political activism. Omokri questioned whether she would have dared to critique past administrations similarly, accusing her of chasing clout.

Implications for NYSC and Governance

The episode raises broader questions about the NYSC’s role and its handling of dissent. Established in 1973 to foster national unity, the program has faced scrutiny over the years for its relevance and the welfare of corps members. Raye’s complaint about the meager allowance—still pegged at N33,000 despite a new minimum wage law promising N70,000—highlights ongoing grievances that the government has yet to address fully.

For President Tinubu’s administration, already grappling with economic discontent and public unrest, this incident adds another layer of complexity. The optics of an NYSC official seemingly fleeing from a corps member’s challenge could reinforce perceptions of a government intolerant of criticism, even as it struggles to stabilize the economy.

What Lies Ahead

As of now, the NYSC has not issued an official statement clarifying the LGI’s absence or outlining its next steps regarding Raye. Sowore’s promise to return suggests that this saga is far from over, and the activist’s involvement ensures it will remain in the spotlight. For Raye, the experience has thrust her into an unexpected role as a voice for Nigeria’s youth, though it remains unclear whether she will face formal repercussions from the NYSC.

The standoff at the Eti-Osa office underscores a growing tension between Nigeria’s younger generation and its institutions. As economic pressures mount and public frustration simmers, Raye’s story may well inspire others to speak out—whether the government likes it or not. For now, all eyes are on how this clash between individual expression and institutional authority will unfold in the days ahead.