BY Mary Ugbodaga
Kemi Adeosun, former finance minister, has hailed a court ruling that she had no obligation to produce a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate to hold a public office in Nigeria.
Taiwo Taiwo, a judge at the federal high court in Abuja, granted a declaration that Adeosun cannot be subjected to any penalty or forfeiture in relation to her occupation due to the NYSC certificate.
Adeosun had tendered her resignation in 2018 following allegations that she tendered a forged NYSC certificate as part of her credentials.
The court, however, was silent on the alleged forged certificate.
In a statement on Wednesday, the ex-minister said the ruling is a victory for Nigerians in the Diaspora under similar conditions who desire to serve the nation.
“My lawyers have informed me of the judgment by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the case of Folakemi Adeosun v The Attorney General of the Federation (FHC/ABJ/CS/303/2021) in which the court, presided over by Honourable Justice Taiwo Taiwo, ruled that the Constitution does not require me to present my first-degree certificate or any other certificate, including the NYSC certificate, to be appointed a Minister,” Adeosun said.
“More importantly, he also ruled that I was not eligible to perform NYSC by virtue of the constitution. This is the position I have always maintained, and I am happy for this official clarification.
“The ruling vindicates me after a very traumatic spell. It is, however, not only a personal victory; it’s also a victory for many Nigerians in the Diaspora under similar conditions who are desirous to serve their country.
“I wish to add in light of the court’s ruling, I will at the appropriate time and without hesitation, take all further steps necessary within the law to protect my reputation”.
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