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Alleged NYSC Certificate Forgery: I am vindicated, Adeosun celebrates court ruling
Former finance minister, Kemi Adeosun has hailed the court ruling of the Federal High Court that she could be appointed as a minister without presenting her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate. Adeosun said she has been vindicated.
Justice Taiwo Taiwo, a judge at the federal high court in Abuja, had ruled that Adeosun was ineligible for national service and that she was not supposed to present herself for National Youth Service because under the 1979 Constitution, which was in force at the time of her graduation, she was not a Nigerian citizen either at the time of her graduation or when she turned 30.
The court, however, was silent on its rulings regarding an allegation on a forged certificate.
In 2018, Adeosun had resigned from her position as the minister of finance, following allegations that she tendered a forged NYSC certificate as part of her credentials.
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Reacting to the ruling on Wednesday, the ex-minister in a statement said the ruling is a victory for Nigerians in the diaspora who wish to serve the country.
“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”.
