Former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has hailed the ruling of the Federal High Court that she could serve without the certificate of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

In a statement, the former minister described the judgment as vindicating her “after a very traumatic spell”, although she was silent on the forgery of the NYSC exemption certificate she was caught to have committed to be appointed minister in 2015.

Taiwo Taiwo, a judge of a Federal High Court in Abuja had granted a declaration that Adeosun cannot be subjected to any penalty or forfeiture in relation to her occupation or assumption due to her NYSC certificate.

Adeosun had tendered her resignation in 2018 following reports that she tendered a forged NYSC certificate as part of her credentials.

But on Wednesday, the court cleared her of the controversy but was silent on its rulings regarding an allegation on a forged certificate.

The judgement, too, was silent on the forgery scandal as the minister who instituted the suit apparently to obtain a judicial clearance did not present it before the judge for a review.

Adeosun in the issued statement, also issued a subtle threat to institute a legal action, perhaps against publishers whose report exposed the forgery scandal in 2018.

“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,” her statement read in part.

What Kemi Adeosun said

“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,” she 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 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 three whole years.

“I wish to add 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. I thank you all.”

What you should know 

Three years ago, Ms. Adeosun was hit with the NYSC certificate scandal that resulted to her resignation from the post of Minister of Finance on September 14th 2018. 

In the resignation letter she submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari, the minister thanked him for the honor to serve in his cabinet and further explained how she attained the NYSC certificate without undertaking the mandatory national service. 

Ms. Adeosun in the letter stated that she had always lived in London up until the age of 34 when she relocated back to Nigeria, adding that there was a lot of debate on whether or not she needed to have her NYSC because of her age. 

According to her, she was issued a certificate she "never suspected to be not genuine with the assistance of people she thought were trusted associates."

The minister at the time admitted to have presented the 'forged' certificate at the 2011 Ogun State House of Assembly and in 2015 for Directorate of State Services (DSS) Clearance as well as to the National Assembly for screening. 

Ms. Adeosun further stated that the decision to resign was in line with her total committed to a culture of probity and accountability. 

Fast forward to July 2021, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that she could serve without the NYSC certificate.