FG denies statement on Minister’s NYSC controversy

The federal government  has denied statement on the controversy over the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) status of the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hajia Hannatu Musawa.

There was a statement on Sunday claimed to be issued by the minister on her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) status, quoting her as arguing that there is no Nigerian law barring her from being appointed minister while still serving the compulsory NYSC.

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However, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, in a statement by the Deputy Director of Press, Suleiman Haruna, declared that the minister has not issued any statement on the issue.

The Deputy Director of Press of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Suleiman Haruna, in the statement declared: “I deeply value and appreciate the support, solidarity, and understanding of Nigerians in these times. For clarity, I wish to state that I have not issued any statement on the current issue.”

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The above statement clearly conflicts with the earlier statement purported to be issued by the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, on the National Youth Service (NYSC) controversy.
Since the counter-statement by the Deputy Director of Press of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Suleiman Haruna, was written in the ‘first person’, it could not be ascertained if Haruna was standing in for the Minister, Musawa.

The NYSC status of the Minister has been generating controversies across the country, with several stakeholders arguing that she cannot be serving the one year NYSC mandatory scheme and be employed or appointed a minister at the same time.

Many have called for the review of the ministerial appointment by President Bola Tinubu considering the NYSC controversy.

meanwhile,  the President has been silent on the Musawa crisis.