Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, alongside legal representatives and supporters, accompanied Rita Uguamaye, a serving corps member, to the Eti-Osa Local Government Inspector (LGI) office in Lagos, where she was scheduled to appear before officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). However, the LGI was absent throughout their stay at the office.
Sowore shared a video of their arrival and posted on his X handle (formerly Twitter): “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.”
Despite waiting for several hours, the officials did not show up. Sowore later posted:
“We arrived at the Eti-Osa LGI office of @officialnyscng with youth corper Ushie Rita Uguamaye in Lagos. However, the LGI official absconded, failing to show up throughout our stay.”
The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the conduct of the NYSC officials. A social media user, Adekunle Oderinde, called for disciplinary action, stating: “The NYSC officials who abandoned their duty post should be made to answer for their absence. Since they claim to know the law, they should also face disciplinary proceedings.”
Rita Uguamaye had previously raised concerns about intimidation by an NYSC official after she posted a viral video criticizing President Tinubu’s government and lamenting the economic hardship in the country. Following the video’s circulation, she was reportedly summoned by the NYSC, sparking fears of possible victimization.
The case has drawn significant public and political support, with many Nigerians, including Amnesty International, condemning any attempt to suppress her right to freedom of expression. Advocates have urged the NYSC to avoid using disciplinary measures as a means of political repression.
With increasing public attention on the matter, calls for accountability and respect for free speech continue to grow.
