Art Minister defends corps member status, denies violating NYSC laws
…Seeks support as she nears completion of NYSC programme
By Sodiq Adelakun
The newly appointed Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has responded to calls for her removal due to her active status as a corps member.
Recall, the management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that Hannatu Musawa, the minister of art, culture and creative economy, is a serving corps member.
This follows a claim by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a civil society organisation, that Musawa is undertaking the one-year mandatory youth service scheme while she is still a member of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
In a statement titled “My personal statement on my status as a serving minister,” Musawa defended herself, stating that she had not violated any laws of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
She explained that her appointment by President Bola Tinubu had sparked media attacks and misinformation about her.
Musawa confirmed that she is currently a corps member, a commitment she took on eight months ago out of duty and devotion to her country.
She clarified that she had been unable to complete the NYSC scheme since her initial mobilisation in 2001.
Despite the controversy surrounding her appointment, Musawa maintained that she had not broken any rules or regulations.
The Minister’s statement comes in response to growing criticism and calls for her removal from the position.
Some have argued that her active status as a corps member contradicts the principles of the NYSC scheme, which requires participants to complete a one-year service before assuming other roles.
However, Musawa defended her decision, emphasising her dedication to serving her country. President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Musawa has been met with mixed reactions.
While some support her appointment and believe she can bring fresh perspectives to the ministry, others question the legitimacy of her position due to her ongoing participation in the NYSC program.
The controversy surrounding Musawa’s appointment highlights the importance of adhering to established protocols and guidelines in public service.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government and the public will respond to the calls for Musawa’s removal.
The outcome of this controversy may have implications for future appointments and the interpretation of the NYSC rules regarding corps members assuming public office.
She said, “It is true I am currently a corps member which I began eight months ago as a matter of duty and devotion to my country, having been unable to complete the scheme since I was first mobilised in 2001.
“There is no breach of any law or constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended regarding my current position as a minister and status as serving corps member.”
While alluding to the constitution and the NYSC Act, the Minister said, “No part of any of them states that a serving corps member can not be appointed by the President of Nigeria or any other appointing authority into political positions.
“Equally, no part of our existing laws and NYSC Act say that a corps member must finish service before they can be appointed into political office. There are no legal or constitutional limitation whatsoever. I have not broken any law of Nigeria.”
She also mentioned the ruling of Justice Taiwo in a case before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja in 2021 that stipulated that one is not required to present a first-degree certificate or any other certificate, including the NYSC certificate to be appointed a minister in the country.
Speaking about the delay in her NYSC programme, Musawa said, “I started the mandatory national service as a corps member deployed to Akwa-Ibom State in 2001 upon the completion of my university education. I could not complete the service the same year after my redeployment to Kaduna State due to family obligations.
“Despite this, it has been my personal resolve and commitment that I will always fulfil this national duty whenever I am opportune to do so.
“I applied to NYSC to be mobilised again for national service last year. NYSC graciously mobilised and deployed me to serve in Abuja where I have been serving for the last eight months before my current appointment as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
The minister, however, called on Nigerians to support her in the new assignment as she looks forward to completing her NYSC programme in the next four months.
Musawa, recently addressed the delay in her NYSC programme. She explained that she initially began her mandatory national service in 2001 in Akwa-Ibom State after completing her university education.
However, due to family obligations, she was unable to complete the service that same year after being redeployed to Kaduna State.
Despite this setback, Musawa has always been determined to fulfill her national duty whenever the opportunity arises.
Last year, she applied to the NYSC to be mobilised again for national service. Fortunately, the NYSC accepted her application and deployed her to serve in Abuja, where she has been serving for the past eight months.
Now, as she takes on her new role as a minister, Musawa calls on Nigerians to support her in this new assignment. She also expressed her hope of completing her NYSC programme within the next four months.
