A former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has broken her silence, after the Federal High Court in Abuja, ruled that she was not eligible for the one year mandatory service under the National Youth Service Corps scheme as of the time she graduated from the university.
Recall that Adeosun resigned her appointment as minister in 2018 following a scandal over a forged National Youth Service Corps exemption certificate.
In a statement titled, ‘Kemi Adeosun reacts to court judgement on NYSC certificate’, she vowed to take every step within legal boundaries to protect her reputation.
Adeosun said her lawyers informed her of the judgement, in which the court ruled that the Constitution does not require her to present first degree certificate, or any other certificate, including the NYSC certificate, to be appointed a minister.
In her words, she said, “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 that 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.”
Earlier, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, had ruled that Adeosun was not yet a Nigerian citizen both at the time she graduated and when she turned 30 years.