Sowore Supports Lagos Corps Member at NYSC Office After Viral Video
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore on Monday accompanied National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, to the office of the NYSC Local Government Inspector (LGI) in Eti-Osa, Lagos. Uguamaye had gained widespread attention after her TikTok video criticizing the rising cost of food and President Bola Tinubu’s administration went viral.
Following the video, Uguamaye claimed she received threats from NYSC officials and was summoned to appear before the LGI’s office at Eti-Osa 3 on Monday, March 17, at 10 a.m. However, according to Sowore, the LGI failed to show up for the meeting.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore shared details of the visit, stating, “We arrived at the Eti-Osa LGI office of the @officialnyscng 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 @mrfestusogun, @yinka_oyesomi, and @justiceojienoh, but the LGI official had absconded, failing to show up throughout our stay.”
Uguamaye’s case has attracted support from prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-presidential candidate Peter Obi, both of whom have spoken out against any attempts to silence her. Their statements emphasized the importance of free speech and protecting young Nigerians from intimidation.
The incident has sparked discussions about the rights of corps members and the consequences of expressing political views publicly. With growing attention on the issue, many are calling on the NYSC to clarify its stance on freedom of expression and address concerns about undue pressure on corps members.
