NYSC Certificate Forgery: ‘I’ve Been Vindicated’ – Adeosun Reacts To Court Ruling

A former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has reacted to the court ruling which cleared her of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate controversy, which resulted in her resignation in 2018.

Naija News earlier reported that in a ruling on Wednesday on the originating summon with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/303/21 brought by Wole Olanipekun, SAN, on her behalf, Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, cleared the former minister of any wrongdoing.

Justice Taiwo held that the NYSC certificate based on the constitution is not a mandatory requirement for holding a political office in the country.

The judge said her appointment was not illegal or not unconstitutional without NYSC certificate.

But in a statement on Wednesday, former minister Adeosun said she has been vindicated by the landmark judgement.

The former minister however admitted that she had a traumatic spell on the certificate forgery allegation against her.

She said the judgement of Justice Taiwo Taiwo was not only a personal victory for her but for all Nigerians in the Diaspora.

She said she will take further steps at the appropriate time to protect her reputation.

The statement reads: “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.”