I’ve been vindicated – Kemi Adeosun celebrates court judgement on NYSC certificate

Kemi Adeosun, a former Minister of Finance has reacted to the court judgment which said she has no obligation to produce a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate to hold a public office in Nigeria.

Adeosun who hailed the court judgment which came 3 years after she resigned from her position, stated that she is happy over the official clarification as she has been vindicated after a very traumatic spell.

The former Minister added that she will at the appropriate time and without hesitation, take all further steps necessary within the law to protect her reputation.

The statement released on Wednesday July 7, read;

“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 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”.

TopNaija recalls that on 7 July 2018, it was alleged that Kemi Adeosun had illegally obtained her NYSC exemption certificate to get into public office. On 9th July, NYSC Director of Press and Public relations Adeyemi Adenike released a statement that confirmed that Adeosun legitimately submitted a request for an exemption certificate, but also stated that investigations were still ongoing to verify the approval of the exemption certificate.

However, on the 14th of September,2018, Adeosun resigned as Minister of Finance in a written letter to the President due to the alleged NYSC Certificate forgery scandal.