… says ‘I’ve been vindicated
BY BANYO TEMITAYO
FORMER Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has reacted to the Wednesday judgement by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which cleared the controversy surrounding her appointment and the issue of National Youth Service.
Adeosun said the judgement, which ruled that she did not need the NYSC certificate to be appointed a minister, did not only mean victory for her alone, but for all Nigerians in the Diaspora, who might wish to serve their country in one capacity or the other.
She was, however, quick to add that, in the light of the court ruling, she would, “at the appropriate time and without hesitation, take all further steps necessary within the law” to protect her reputation.
Adeosun particularly noted that the ruling had vindicated her “after a very traumatic spell.”
The Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier cleared the air on the NYSC controversy, which led to the resignation of the former Finance Minister, saying the NYSC certificate was not a prerequisite for appointment as a Minister in Nigeria.
The court in a judgement on Wednesday, ruled that the former Minister was not qualified to have participated in the NYSC scheme when she graduated at the age of 22 years, noting also that, at that time, she was a British citizen.
Justice Taiwo Taiwo also held that when Adeosun returned to Nigeria, formally, and became a Nigerian citizen, she was over 30 years old and not eligible to present herself for the Youth Service.
The court maintained this position just as it held that the plaintiff or any other person did not require NYSC discharge certificate to contest election to the House of Representatives or be appointed a Minister.
The judgment was given on a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/303/2021, filed by Kemi Adeosun, with the Attorney General of the Federation as the sole defendant.
In her reaction, in a statement in Abuja, the former Minister said, “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 I’m 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 the 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. I thank you all.”
