Former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, says she has been vindicated by a Federal High Court, Abuja, judgment.
But Adeosun admitted that she was traumatised by the certificate forgery allegation against her.
She described the judgement by Justice Taiwo Taiwo as a personal victory for her and all Nigerians in the Diaspora.
The former minister stated that she will take further steps at the appropriate time to protect her reputation.
Adeosun had resigned her appointment on September 14, 2018, following an allegation that she presented a forged National Youth Service Corps certificate to the Department of State Services and the National Assembly for clearance.
The court ruled on Wednesday that the ex-Minister shouldn’t have presented herself for the NYSC scheme in the first instance.
Justice Taiwo Taiwo ruled that the NYSC certificate was not relevant to her appointment as a minister.
The judge stated that Adeosun’s non-possession of the NYSC certificate did not render her appointment illegal or unconstitutional.
But in her reaction to the judgment, Adeosun, in a statement in Abuja, said she has been vindicated.
According to her statement, “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 I’m 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.”