Peter Obi, Atiku, and Others Condemn Alleged Withholding of Uguamaye’s NYSC Certificate
Prominent political figures, including former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, have joined a growing chorus of voices condemning the alleged refusal of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to issue a discharge certificate to corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, reportedly due to her criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
The case, which has sparked national outrage and drawn intervention from Amnesty International, has now become a flashpoint in Nigeria’s ongoing debate over freedom of expression, youth rights, and government accountability.
In separate statements released Tuesday, Obi and Atiku denounced what they described as “institutional intimidation” and called for the immediate release of Uguamaye’s certificate.
Peter Obi: “Silencing Dissent Is Not Leadership”
In a widely shared X (formerly Twitter) post, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, condemned the alleged retaliation against the young corps member.
“If it is true that Ushie Rita Uguamaye is being denied her NYSC certificate for speaking her mind on national issues, then we are witnessing a dangerous slide into authoritarianism.
Criticizing government policy is not a crime—it is democracy in action. Denying a certificate for free speech is unacceptable. She must be discharged immediately.”
Obi, whose campaign was largely youth-driven, emphasized that young Nigerians must be able to speak without fear of retribution.
“We fought for a better Nigeria. That includes protecting the right of every young person to speak truth to power.”
His statement was endorsed by members of the #Obidient movement, with thousands amplifying the call under the hashtag #DischargeUguamaye.
Atiku Abubakar: “This Is a Test of Our Democracy”
Former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar also weighed in, calling the incident “deeply troubling” and a “direct attack on constitutional rights.”
“The NYSC was created to foster national unity, not to suppress free speech. If a young woman is being punished for expressing concern about the suffering of her fellow citizens, then we have lost our moral compass. The Federal Government must act swiftly to correct this injustice.”
Atiku urged President Tinubu to personally intervene, stating:
“Leadership means protecting citizens, not punishing them for speaking out. I call on the President to ensure that Miss Uguamaye receives her certificate without delay and precondition.
He also called for a review of the NYSC Act to prevent future abuses, saying, “No Nigerian should fear consequences for lawful, peaceful expression.”
Civil Society and Legal Groups Add Pressure
The condemnation is not limited to political figures. Over 30 civil society organizations, including the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Social Rights Advocacy Coalition (SRAC), and Media Rights Agenda, have issued a joint statement demanding an independent investigation into NYSC’s discharge procedures.
“Withholding a constitutionally mandated document as a form of punishment for dissent is unlawful and undemocratic,” the statement read. “This sets a dangerous precedent that could be used to silence journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens.”
Legal experts have echoed the sentiment. Dr. Olatunji Ogunyemi, a constitutional lawyer, said:
“Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression. The NYSC has no legal basis to deny a certificate over a social media post. This is judicial overreach and should be challenged in court.”
READ ALSO Corps member denied certificate after criticizing Tinubu’s policies
NYSC Maintains “Procedural Delays,” But Pressure Mounts
Despite the mounting pressure, the NYSC Directorate has maintained that Uguamaye’s certificate is withheld due to “uncompleted administrative processes,” not her public statements.
In a brief update, NYSC National Coordinator Gen. Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu said:
“All corps members are treated equally. No certificate is issued until all requirements are met. We are not aware of any directive to withhold certificates based on political opinion.”
However, sources within the agency’s Lagos State office confirm that Uguamaye submitted her final report and attended her viva voce in July, with documentation to support her claim.
As political heavyweights, civil society, and citizens unite in her defense, one message is clear:
In a democracy, no one should be punished for speaking up.