Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Mrs, Kemi Adeosun, who was unceremoniously compelled to resign her appointment over allegations of her failure to participate in the one year National Youth Service on Wednesday described the High Court ruling which absolved her of the spurious allegations as a vindication of her innocence
Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court Abuja had on Wednesday ruled in a case filed by the ex-minister challenging the allegations that she failed to in the one year national service that Mrs. Adeosun, being a British citizen when she graduated could not have served Nigeria then and justified her non-participation in the national service.
Justice Taiwo declared, while deciding on the suit filed by the former minister on her non-eligibility for the NYSC programme, that her appointment was not illegal or not unconstitutional without NYSC certificate.
In her reaction, Adeosun said that by the judgment, she had been vindicated even as she admitted that she had traumatic spell over the certificate forgery allegation against her.
According to her, the High Court judgment is not only a personal victory for her but for all Nigerians in the Diaspora.
The former minister stated: “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 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”, Adeosun maintained.
