“Her fight is our fight” – Sowore vows justice for Corper Raye over NYSC certificate denial

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has thrown his weight behind Corper Raye, an embattled serving corps member allegedly denied her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate under controversial circumstances.

In a post on his official X account on Saturday, the Sahara Reporters publisher vowed to stand by Raye until justice is served.

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“We had promised to fight for her justice, and that promise remains unbroken,” Sowore wrote.

He praised Raye’s activism, crediting her outspoken criticism of the government for prompting an increase in corps members’ allowances.

“It was Raye’s courage that pushed the authorities to raise the allowance for her colleagues. We will not abandon her. Her fight is our fight,” he added.

Raye’s troubles began in March when a video she posted online criticising the present administration went viral.

She alleged that NYSC officials later threatened her to delete the post.

Civil rights groups have accused the NYSC of trying to silence her, pointing to what they believe were retaliatory actions.

Following the viral clip, the NYSC Local Government Inspector in Eti-Osa summoned her to appear at the local office.

Sowore and her legal team accompanied her, but the official who issued the summons was reportedly absent.

The matter resurfaced on June 18, when Raye was again summoned, this time to face a disciplinary panel at the Iyana Ipaja NYSC orientation camp in Lagos.

After repeated delays, she was informed that her service year would be extended by two months — a move that ultimately prevented her from collecting her discharge certificate on schedule.

Sowore has vowed to keep pushing for a reversal of the NYSC’s decision, adding that Nigerians must stand united against systemic abuse of power.

As of press time, the NYSC has not issued an official response to the allegations.