NYSC Does Not Have Authority To Prosecute Peter Mbah – HURIWA Knocks Court Over Verdict

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has reacted to the judgement delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja, on the authenticity of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah.

Naija News recalls that Mbah had filed a N20 billion lawsuit against NYSC for disavowing the certificate he was parading.

In its verdict, the court ruled in favour of the governor.

Reacting to the development while speaking with journalists on Thursday, the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, condemned the judgement.

HURIWA praises NYSC for standing by its claims that it did not issue the certificate paraded by Mbah, adding that the institution has shown itself as an example of an institution with zero tolerance for corruption.

The group pointed out how the judge had asked NYSC to prosecute Mbah if it genuinely believed his certificate was forged.

HURIWA argued that NYSC lacks the authority to prosecute Mbah.

The group said, “One major concern is the assertion by Justice Inyang Ekwo that the NYSC could have prosecuted Governor Mbah if they believed his certificate was forged.

“This interpretation of the NYSC Act is erroneous, as the NYSC lacks the legal authority to act as a public prosecutor in cases of certificate forgery”.

Onwubiko also noted the lack of consideration for the fact that the Inspector General of Police was actively investigating the allegations against Governor Mbah.