In a recent press statement released on August 27, 2023, by Hannatu Musawa, the newly appointed Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, she addressed concerns and controversies surrounding her current National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) status in relation to her ministerial position.
Ms. Musawa began by expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for her appointment and for entrusting her with the responsibility of serving the country in a ministerial capacity. Amidst a barrage of media attention and misinformation, she clarified her situation regarding the NYSC, which has been at the center of discussion.
The Minister confirmed that she had embarked on her NYSC national service obligation eight months ago, driven by her unwavering sense of duty and devotion to her nation. She recounted her initial mobilization in 2001 to Akwa Ibom State upon completing her university education. Due to family obligations, she couldn’t complete the service that year and was redeployed to Kaduna State. However, her commitment to fulfilling this national duty remained steadfast.
Ms. Musawa applied for NYSC mobilization again last year and was subsequently deployed to serve in Abuja. This service took place for eight months before her current appointment as a Federal Minister.
Addressing the allegations circulating in the media, she emphasized that there is no breach of law or constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in her simultaneous roles as a serving Corps member and a Minister. She clarified that neither the Nigerian law nor the NYSC Act prohibits the appointment of a serving Corps member to a political position or mandates the completion of NYSC service before taking up a political office.
She cited a 2021 case before the Federal High Court Abuja where Justice Taiwo Taiwo ruled that Nigeria’s Constitution does not require individuals to present their NYSC certificates to be appointed as Ministers. Ms. Musawa’s decision to participate in the current NYSC program stemmed from her personal commitment and sense of duty.
Underscoring her dedication to national service, she affirmed that her ongoing NYSC status, set to conclude in four months, would not hinder her responsibilities as Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy. She described her ministerial role as a higher call to national service and reaffirmed her loyalty to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria’s growth and prosperity.
As Minister Musawa continued to fulfill her dual roles, she concluded her statement with a promise to serve the nation faithfully and energetically in both capacities.
READ OTHER STORIES:
Nigeria Will Not Sustain Failed Economic Theory- President Tinubu
Bawa’s Detention Not Affecting Our Job – EFCC
South African Arrested with Methamphetamine Consignment at Abuja Airport
Nigeria Still Losing 400,000 Barrels Of Crude Oil Daily – NSA
