Former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun has reacted to the ruling by the Federal High Court, Abuja stating that she had no obligation to have produced a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate to enable her to hold public office in Nigeria.
The court ruled on Wednesday that the National Youth Service Corps certificate, NYSC, is not mandatory for appointment into political office in the country.
Adeosun, who had resigned as minister in 2018 over the allegation of a forged NYSC certificate she presented as part of her credentials, said in a statement made available to the Daily Bells shortly after the judgement that she has been vindicated.
The statement by the former minister reads; “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.
“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 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 thank God, my family, friends, my counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and numerous well-wishers for their love, care and concern throughout this difficult period, which has lasted three whole years.
“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.”