Former Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, says a court ruling that she did not have to participate in the compulsory one year national service for graduates vindicates her after a very traumatic spell.
But observers are berating journalists for suggesting, like her, that she has been vindicated.
One, a known Buhari supporter, sent a reaction to Nigeria Everyday‘s report. In it, he wrote, “Vindicate? It was not the issue of whether she served, or not, the issue was that of forgery of NYSC discharge certificate, she didn’t need to have done so, that’s what the court is now saying.
“She ought to be grateful that Mr President didn’t order for her prosecution, rather asked her to honourably resign, that was the soft landing she got, we should help put the story in proper perspective.”
Reminded of the position of the Buhari supporter, an Adeosun backer threw his own verbal fist, “What about Pantami?”
But Adeosun, in her reaction to the court ruling, said, “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.”
“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.
“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 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.”
Recall that a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ruled that the former minister was ineligible for national service.
The court said 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.
According to the ruling, the constitution does not require her to present her first-degree certificate or any other certificate, including the NYSC certificate, to be appointed a minister.
The court, presided over by Justice Taiwo Taiwo ruled that the ministerial appointment of Adeosun was not illegal, neither was it unconstitutional, even without presenting the NYSC certificate.
In its ruling on a suit for constitutional interpretation filed at the court in March 2021 by the firm of Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, on behalf of Adeosun, the court said since the 1979 constitution, which was in force at the time did not recognise dual citizenship, Adeosun could not have served because she was a British citizen.
Adeosun graduated from the University of East London in 1989 at the age of 22.
The court ruled that Nigeria citizenship only reverted under extant constitution by which time Adeosun was well above 30, and by the court ruling ineligible to participate in NYSC scheme as the scheme is exclusively reserved for Nigeria.
The court granted all reliefs sought by Adeosun’s counsel.
