The Human Rights Writers Association [HURIWA] of Nigeria raised this point that Hannatu Musawa, the minister of art, culture and creative economy observes her NYSC program now which is considered unlawful to many.
Presupposed cable reporters quoted from an NYSC official that the minister is a corp member. This could not be independently verified by the BBC.
Femi falana, a nigeria lawyer and senior advocate stated that it is a violation of the Nigerian law and constitution for anyone who has not gone through the nysc scheme to emerge as a minister.
Following this statement, he explained how the constitution has been overuled on the one year NYSC scheme.
Section 2 of the national youth service act says every citizen not above 30 years of age who has graduated from any institution in and outside of rhe country must serve the father land.
He added that those graduates who are above 30 years should thereby be given Certificate of exemption.
Furthermore, the age of this serving minister is a question raised on this law which is punishable by imprisonment or a fine of ₦20,000 or both.
As regards becoming a Nigerian minister, this is possible only if the law qualifies you as a lawmaker. With section 147(6) of the Nigeria Constitution, government cannot qualify anyone as a minister unless the candidate is qualified for election as a member of the house of representatives.
This section adds that candidates who have not completed the NYSC scheme are not qualified to be a member of the house of representatives.
Mr falana gave a scenerio where this law was effected in (2019)LPELR-59096(SC) case of Modibo vs Usman & Ors. From what the lawyer said and if truly madama Musawa is a corp member, it means the nigeria government did not follow the law in her appointment.
Since her appointment, the young minister has been on the negative side of news as a video of her abusing the naira went viral. This abuse of naira have not been addressed by the authorities as this offence can lead to jail in this country.
