NYSC certificate: Ex-Finance Minister Adeosun celebrates victory in suit against Malami

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Nigeria's Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun speaks after the inauguration of the Efficiency Unit during an exclusive interview with Reuters in Abuja, Nigeria, November 30, 2015. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde

Ex-Minister of Finance Mrs Kemi Adeosun said she has been vindicated by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

She, however, admitted that she had a traumatic spell on the certificate forgery allegation.

The former Minister said the judgement of Justice Taiwo Taiwo was not only a personal victory but for all Nigerians in the Diaspora.

Adeosun also said she will take further steps at the appropriate time to protect her reputation.

Recall that Adeosun resigned as finance minister following the allegation that she presented a forged National Youth Service Corps certificate to the Department of State Services and the National Assembly for clearance.

But she engaged lawyers to fight her battle in a Federal High Court, Abuja.

WuzupNigeria reported that the court on Wednesday cleared her name and stated that she didn’t need the NYSC certificate for any appointment.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo said the NYSC certificate was not relevant to her appointment as a minister.

He said her appointment was not illegal or not unconstitutional without the NYSC certificate.

Reacting to the judgment, the ex-Minister, in a statement in Abuja, said she has been vindicated.

The statement 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 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.”

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