Reno Omokri, a former aide to the president, is unyielding in calling for disciplinary action against National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, over her viral outburst criticizing President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s economic situation.
After her inflammatory remarks, Raye asserted NYSC officials subsequently began threatening her and directed her to report to her Local Government Inspector in Lagos on Monday, March 17.
Afraid of expulsion or severe punishment, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore accompanied her to the NYSC headquarters, once more raising alarms about possible victimization from the public.
The event elicited global reactions on social media, as many Nigerians sympathized with Raye and condemned what they saw as intimidation from the authorities.
Even as the conversation became ethnicized, others averred that Raye was targeted by tribalism.
Omokri countered claims of ethnic discrimination and drew parallels with the case of music artist Davido, who was penalized by the NYSC in 2018 under the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Davido was disciplined for absconding from camp, stripped of his uniform, and removed from the Batch ‘B’ Stream II program in Lagos.
Omokri pointed out that despite Davido’s strong Southwest ties, there were no accusations of tribal bias or political interference at the time.
He insisted that the same rules should apply to Raye, emphasizing that this is a matter of NYSC regulations, not ethnicity or political persecution.
“This has nothing to do with politics or ethnicity. The NYSC disciplined music artiste Davido for violating its rule while President Buhari was in office.
Southwest people did not blame the NYSC for tribalism, and the PDP did not blame President Buhari for witch-hunting an opposition party politician.
There should be a rule of law, not rule by sentiments, in Nigeria.”
Robyn Rihanna Fenty ultimately reveals her son's name, RZA Athelston Mayers, in advance of his first birthday on May 13. Read more
YL Sean is an American base Nigerian artist, song writer and a performer. YL Sean was born in Lagos state Read more
The Ebonyi State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja will deliver its judgement on Wednesday, September 27, on the petitions Read more
The Cement Producers Association of Nigeria has warned the federal government that the cost of a bag of cement might Read more
