Powerful enemies saw NYSC certificate saga as opportunity to get rid of me as Minister of Finance – Kemi Adeosun

Kemi Adeosun, former minister of finance, has said her resignation from the administration of Muhammadu Buhari was driven by what she described as the actions of “powerful enemies” within the government.

Adeosun made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television, excerpts of which were aired on Thursday, January 1, ahead of the full programme, Inside Sources, scheduled for broadcast on Friday, January 2.

In 2018, Adeosun stepped down from office following allegations that she submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps certificate as part of her credentials. Reflecting on the episode, she said individuals opposed to her within the Buhari administration seized the controversy as an opportunity to force her out.

“I’m not confused about the fact that I had powerful enemies who I believed saw an opportunity. Let’s get rid of her,” Adeosun said. She explained that before resigning, she met with Buhari to brief him on the situation and to inform him of her intention to take legal action to clear her name.

“No one resigned in finance but I did. Why did I resign? The day I resigned I went to go and see the president. I said, ‘Mr President, I need to go but I will go to court to clear my name’,” she said.

According to Adeosun, Buhari supported her decision, stressing the importance of protecting one’s reputation. “He said, ‘I absolutely support you. Because these names are leased for our children and grandchildren, right? They are going to inherit them. And then you destroy your name because you want to stay as minister. For what?’” she recalled.

Adeosun added that she believed it was inappropriate to remain in office while suing the government. “I sued the federal government. You can’t be suing the government and staying in the government. You can’t. You have to go. I think it is the right thing to do,” she said.

In July 2021, a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that Adeosun could not be penalised or sanctioned over her occupation due to the NYSC issue. The judge held that she was under no legal obligation to present an NYSC certificate to hold public office, although the court did not make a determination on the allegation of forgery itself.

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