NYSC Certificate Saga: Ex-Minister Adeosun Finally Breaks Silence, Says She Cried Every Day for Three Months
Kemi Adeosun, a former minister of finance, has explained how she was able to forge ahead after the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate saga.
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The Punch reports that Adeosun said she wept every day without working for three months.
Legit.ng gathered that Adeosun, who spoke at the 10th anniversary of the Uncommon Woman Conference organised by the Jesus House Church, United Kingdom, said she felt like she was in a horrible pit.
Source: Depositphotos
She said everything about her life was at a standstill while she had to deal with shame, betrayal, disappointment and humiliation.
The former minister said:
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“That period of life was tough for me. I went to step into the shoes of someone like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. So, I was under fire from day one, it looked like things were not working. Then all of a sudden, the economy started to improve.
"It was like I was beginning to see the desired result. Then out of nowhere, the certificate scandal came. And before I knew it, everything turned upside down. And that was how the issue went viral.”
Adeosun said it was unfortunate that she was even unable to tell her side of the story and had to resign when she could no longer bear it.
The former minister said:
“I was born and raised in the United Kingdom; indeed, my parental family home remains in London. My visits to Nigeria up until the age of 34 were holidays, with visas obtained in my UK passport. When I finished school, there was no opportunity for dual citizenship; I either renounce my British citizenship or hold on to it and work here. I didn’t renounce mine. I finished school at 21 and started working at 22.
“I obtained my first Nigerian passport at the age of 34 and when I relocated, there was debate as to whether the NYSC law applied to me. Upon enquiry as to my status relating to the NYSC, I was informed that due to my residency history and having exceeded the age of 30, I was exempted from the requirement to serve. Until recent events, that remained my understanding.
She said on the basis of that advice and with the guidance and assistance of those she thought were trusted associates, the NYSC was approached for documentary proof of status.
Adeosun added that she then received the certificate in question, saying that having never worked in the NYSC, visited the premises, been privy to or familiar with their operations, she had no reason to suspect that the certificate was anything but genuine.
The former minister said:
“Indeed, I presented that certificate at the 2011 Ogun state House of Assembly and in 2015 for the Department of State Services clearance as well as to the National Assembly for screening. I sought legal advice and there was no problem I could get an exemption for the NYSC.
“I was so ashamed at that time because I was into teenagers’ mentoring and all of that. So, the experience negated the lessons I had taught my teenagers. I cried every day for three months; I didn’t do anything for anyone or myself for those months. I just cried, cried, and cried.”
EFCC sends message to Nigerian governors, politicians
Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sent a clear warning to Nigerians to avoid any sort of crimes.
It was reported that the anti-graft agency called on all Nigerians to join in its ongoing efforts to tackle corruption, especially economic and financial crimes.
In what might be called a direct message to Nigerian politicians, especially corrupt governors, the commission vowed to get hold of persons who spend public funds recklessly while in office.
Source: Legit.ng
