Thelma Osatohanmwen
The Public Interest and Development Law section of the Nigerian Bar Association, has filed a suit and called for the removal of the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, from office over alleged violations of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Act.
The organization also called for the nullification of NYSC certificates issued to Musawa and music promoter, Kenny Ogungbe.
In the suit filed against Musawa, Ogungbe, NYSC, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, the plaintiffs alleged that the mobilization of Musawa and Ogungbe for the mandatory one-year national youth service after exceeding 30 years of age was unlawful and an affront to patriotism.
They argued that the NYSC Act stipulates that individuals above the age of 30 are not entitled to engage in the national service.
The plaintiffs seek a declaration that Musawa is not entitled to continue holding the position of Honourable Minister or any public office after violating the provisions of the NYSC Act.
They also requested the court to compel the NYSC to nullify the certificates given to Musawa and Ogungbe.
This legal action follows previous accusations against Musawa in August 2023, when the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria claimed that she served as a minister while undertaking the NYSC scheme.
Similarly, in October 2023, Kenny Ogungbe stirred controversy on social media by sharing a photo in NYSC uniform, claiming to have completed NYSC at the age of 53.