Former Nigeria Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has expressed happiness over the judgment of a court which cleared her of any wrongdoing for not possessing a valid certificate of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).
On Wednesday a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja cleared the former Finance Minister of the controversy that trailed her participation in the NYSC scheme which culminated in her resignation from the federal executive council on September 14, 2018, after it was discovered that she presented a fake NYSC certificate of exemption.
Adeosun said in a statement hours after she received the cheering news that the Wednesday court ruling has vindicated her after a very traumatic time she had during the climax of her tenure as a member of the federal executive council.
She dedicated the court judgment to every Nigerian in the diaspora facing a similar challenge she faced during the trial.
Her full statement below:
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 3 whole years.
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.
I thank you all
Kemi Adeosun
