SERAP sues NYSC over failure to publish Kemi Adeosun’s ‘exemption certificate’

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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brigadier-General Sule Kazaure and the NYSC over “failure to publish specific documents and information on Minister of Finance Mrs Kemi Adeosun’s application for NYSC exemption, and seeking to compel them to explain if Adeosun obtained any Exemption Certificate from the NYSC.”



In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1369/18 filed yesterday at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, SERAP is seeking “an order for leave to apply for judicial review and an order of mandamus directing and/or compelling General Kazaure and the NYSC to urgently provide specific documents and information on Mrs Kemi Adeosun’s application to the NYSC for Exemption and to publish widely including on a dedicated and on the NYSC website, any such information.”



The suit followed SERAP’s Freedom of Information request dated 2 August 2018 to General Kazaure, giving him 7 days to provide “information on specific details and documents on the Exemption Certificate applied for and obtained by Mrs Adeosun; clarify whether the NYSC actually granted her the Exemption Certificate and if it did, the circumstances and the provisions of the NYSC Act under which the Exemption Certificate was granted.”



The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its counsel, Ms. Bamisope Adeyanju read in part: “Suspicions of obtaining unauthorised certificate involving a senior member of the government if not urgently and satisfactorily addressed would weaken public trust in the government’s oft-expressed commitment to transparency and accountability.”



“By the combined provisions of section 104(1) of the Evidence Act, 2011 and sections 14(2)(b) 14(3) and 19(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, the NYSC, being the public institution in charge of issuing exemption certificates from the compulsory NYSC Programme, and having publicly declared that Mrs. Adeosun applied for exemption, has a duty to provide SERAP with details and documents containing the application for exemption and the exemption certificate itself, if it was granted.”



“Mandamus lies to secure the performance of a public duty in the performance which SERAP has a sufficient legal interest. SERAP has shown that it has demanded the performance of the duty by the NYSC in this case, and that performance has been refused by the Director-General of the NYSC obliged to discharge it.”



“The right of access to information should be subject to a narrow, carefully tailored system of exceptions. Exceptions should apply only where there is a risk of substantial harm to the protected interest and where that harm is greater than the overriding public interest in having access to the information.”



“SERAP requested the NYSC to provide the information within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of the letter. But since the receipt of the letter by the NYSC and up till the filing of this suit, the NYSC has failed, refused and/or neglected to respond to or grant SERAP’s request.”



“This matter is of utmost national importance and public interest, because it borders on allegations of circumvention of the law, brought against a high public officer of Nigeria, who has sworn on oath to uphold the laws of the nation; including the NYSC Act. The grant of this application will help reveal the truth about the authenticity of the Exemption Certificate granted to Mrs Adeosun.”


“By the combined provisions of Sections 1; 2; 3(4); 4; 7(1)&(5); 9; 14(2)(b)&3; 19(2); and 20 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, the right of access to information is guaranteed and there is a statutory obligation on the NYSC being a public institution, to proactively keep, organize and maintain all information or records about their operations, personnel, activities and other relevant or related information or records in a manner that facilitates public access to such information or record.”


“The NYSC has no reason whatsoever not to comply with the demands by SERAP. There is compelling public interest in the disclosure of the information sought by SERAP, which concerns whether a high-ranking Minister had circumvented or disobeyed the law. The public interest in this case outweighs any private interest that the NYSC may be protecting. By the provision of Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act, SERAP is entitled to apply to this Court for a review of the action of the NYSC.”



“Unless the reliefs sought by SERAP are granted, the NYSC will not provide SERAP with the documents and information requested and will continue to be in breach of the Freedom of Information Act.”



“SERAP is entitled as of right to request for or gain access to information, including information on the Exemption allegedly applied for by Mrs Adeosun.”



The suit is seeking the following reliefs:


A DECLARATION that the failure of the Respondents to provide the Applicant with specific documents and information on Mrs Kemi Adeosun’s application to it for NYSC Exemption is unlawful and amounts to a breach of the Respondents’ responsibility/obligation under the Freedom of Information Act 2011.

AN ORDER OF MANDAMUS directing and/or compelling the Respondents to urgently provide the Applicant with specific documents and information on Mrs Kemi Adeosun’s application to it for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Exemption and to publish widely including on a dedicated and on the NYSC website, any such information.

A DECLARATION that the failure of the Respondents to provide the Applicant with specific documents and information on the following:

i. the procedure under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to “apply” for NYSC Exemption;

ii. whether an authorized official of the NYSC actually issued an Exemption Certificate to Mrs. Kemi Adeosun;

iii. if NYSC did issue the NYSC Exemption Certificate, the circumstances and the provisions of the NYSC Act under which the Exemption Certificate was granted; and to publish widely including on a dedicated website and on the NYSC website, any such information, is unlawful and amounts to a breach of the Respondent’s obligation under the Freedom of Information Act 2011.

AN ORDER OF MANDAMUS directing and/or compelling the Respondents to urgently provide the Applicant with specific documents and information on the following:

i. the procedure under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to “apply” for NYSC Exemption;

ii. whether an authorized official of the NYSC actually issued an Exemption Certificate to Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; if NYSC did issue the NYSC Exemption Certificate, the circumstances and the provisions of the NYSC Act under which the Exemption Certificate was granted; and to publish widely including on a dedicated website and on the NYSC website, any such information.



No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.


http://serap-nigeria.org/serap-sues-nysc-over-failure-to-publish-kemi-adeosuns-exemption-certificate.ngo/

Corruption is fighting back

Sai Baba2040

Ok

Am I the only one that didn't see anything wrong in this Adeosun NYSC certificate saga

After all, what sane Nigerians are clamoring for is optimal performance and good leadership

And she's competent at that

What else did Nigerians want?

Will there be a time we will ever be satisfied and get contented with the kind of leaders we have?

Putin is a dictator

He's far richer than Bill Gate

Yet, Russians aren't complaining about him

Contentment is what we need at the moment and not good leadership

Be contented!

I don't know why it's difficult for NYSC to spin another yahoo yahoo certificate for Kemi. Only this one would be captured in the database.

Reading opinions on Nairaland is like researching the level of uncivilization and backwardness of African Youths, a case study of Nigerian youths opinions on social media.

GHEN GHEN

They will not mind dere business, they should let this case rest Abeg

I Dey observe

SolutionMee:
Am I the only one that didn't see anything wrong in this Adeosun NYSC certificate saga

After all, what sane Nigerians are clamoring for is optimal performance and good leadership

And she's competent at that

What else did Nigerians want?

Will there be a time we will ever be satisfied and get contented with the kind of leaders we have?

Putin is a dictator

He's far richer than Bill Gate

Yet, Russians aren't complaining about him

Contentment is what we need at the moment and not good leadership

Be contented!

What point are you making?

SolutionMee:
Am I the only one that didn't see anything wrong in this Adeosun NYSC certificate saga

After all, what sane Nigerians are clamoring for is optimal performance and good leadership

And she's competent at that

What else did Nigerians want?

Will there be a time we will ever be satisfied and get contented with the kind of leaders we have?

Putin is a dictator

He's far richer than Bill Gate

Yet, Russians aren't complaining about him

Contentment is what we need at the moment and not good leadership

Be contented!

Nigerians here u have it....the mindset of your average buhari supporter

SolutionMee:
Am I the only one that didn't see anything wrong in this Adeosun NYSC certificate saga

After all, what sane Nigerians are clamoring for is optimal performance and good leadership

And she's competent at that

What else did Nigerians want?

Will there be a time we will ever be satisfied and get contented with the kind of leaders we have?

Putin is a dictator

He's far richer than Bill Gate

Yet, Russians aren't complaining about him

Contentment is what we need at the moment and not good leadership

Be contented!

.
There is difference between Right and Good .It takes a working brain to decipher this..!
.
If indeed you are fighting corruption.. Then NO double standard.. Please Google what CORRUPTION actually means..
.
Because an armed robber pays Tithe and help the poor doesn't make him less of a criminal
.
Stop trying to Justify what's Wrong..!!

Let's know the outcome ASAP pls.
Let's get to the root of the matter once and for all.
And move on from there.

I'm waiting on the Presidency take on this matter. Its not going down or off

This is serious!



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SolutionMee:
Am I the only one that didn't see anything wrong in this Adeosun NYSC certificate saga

After all, what sane Nigerians are clamoring for is optimal performance and good leadership

And she's competent at that

What else did Nigerians want?

Will there be a time we will ever be satisfied and get contented with the kind of leaders we have?

Putin is a dictator

He's far richer than Bill Gate

Yet, Russians aren't complaining about him

Contentment is what we need at the moment and not good leadership

Be contented!

Do you know who Putin is

SolutionMee:
Am I the only one that didn't see anything wrong in this Adeosun NYSC certificate saga

After all, what sane Nigerians are clamoring for is optimal performance and good leadership

And she's competent at that

What else did Nigerians want?

Will there be a time we will ever be satisfied and get contented with the kind of leaders we have?

Putin is a dictator

He's far richer than Bill Gate

Yet, Russians aren't complaining about him

Contentment is what we need at the moment and not good leadership

Be contented!

Do you know who Putin is �� kids everywhere!

LadyExcellency:
Reading opinions on Nairaland is like researching the level of uncivilization and backwardness of African Youths, a case study of Nigerian youths opinions on social media.

Bla blu bla bla bla bla bla bla bla....
I didn't understand a shit you said..hipply hoopla...

SolutionMee:
Am I the only one that didn't see anything wrong in this Adeosun NYSC certificate saga

After all, what sane Nigerians are clamoring for is optimal performance and good leadership

And she's competent at that

What else did Nigerians want?

Will there be a time we will ever be satisfied and get contented with the kind of leaders we have?

Putin is a dictator

He's far richer than Bill Gate

Yet, Russians aren't complaining about him

Contentment is what we need at the moment and not good leadership

Be contented!

Abacha built roads, babangida built 3rd mainland bridge. Why are we calling them dictators?
Kemi committed a crime by forging a certificate she doesn't have. She got a job illegally by claiming to be what she's not. Seriously you don't see anything wrong with these because she's your sister?

SolutionMee:
Am I the only one that didn't see anything wrong in this Adeosun NYSC certificate saga

After all, what sane Nigerians are clamoring for is optimal performance and good leadership

And she's competent at that

What else did Nigerians want?

Will there be a time we will ever be satisfied and get contented with the kind of leaders we have?

Putin is a dictator

He's far richer than Bill Gate

Yet, Russians aren't complaining about him

Contentment is what we need at the moment and not good leadership

Be contented!

Look at your life! She's not qualified but she can do it that's why you people voted a NEPA bill certificate man as the head of state.

Shame on the youth of this country

SolutionMee:
Am I the only one that didn't see anything wrong in this Adeosun NYSC certificate saga

After all, what sane Nigerians are clamoring for is optimal performance and good leadership

And she's competent at that

What else did Nigerians want?

Will there be a time we will ever be satisfied and get contented with the kind of leaders we have?

Putin is a dictator

He's far richer than Bill Gate

Yet, Russians aren't complaining about him

Contentment is what we need at the moment and not good leadership

Be contented!

Who supplies your weed?

SolutionMee:
Am I the only one that didn't see anything wrong in this Adeosun NYSC certificate saga

After all, what sane Nigerians are clamoring for is optimal performance and good leadership

And she's competent at that

What else did Nigerians want?

Will there be a time we will ever be satisfied and get contented with the kind of leaders we have?

Putin is a dictator

He's far richer than Bill Gate

Yet, Russians aren't complaining about him

Contentment is what we need at the moment and not good leadership

Be contented!

you are not making sense. you are typing without fact. how is Putin richer than bill gates?
why don't we remain with Jonathan administration instead? if we should follow your logic?

This is a good move and to see a young lawyer take up this case is encouraging. I believe we should do more questioning of goverment officials and test our laws.

IF you are in Lagos and you have PVC & you want to do a transfer of Polling Unit, the process is simple, I have 6-7 people that have done theirs last week, Don't be lazy... Go to the designated offices. @ Alex81

LadyExcellency:
Reading opinions on Nairaland is like researching the level of uncivilization and backwardness of African Youths, a case study of Nigerian youths opinions on social media.

is as if you read my mind

SolutionMee:
Am I the only one that didn't see anything wrong in this Adeosun NYSC certificate saga

After all, what sane Nigerians are clamoring for is optimal performance and good leadership

And she's competent at that

What else did Nigerians want?

Will there be a time we will ever be satisfied and get contented with the kind of leaders we have?

Putin is a dictator

He's far richer than Bill Gate

Yet, Russians aren't complaining about him

Contentment is what we need at the moment and not good leadership

Be contented!

So what is the essence of the NYSC program?

SolutionMee:
Am I the only one that didn't see anything wrong in this Adeosun NYSC certificate saga

After all, what sane Nigerians are clamoring for is optimal performance and good leadership

And she's competent at that

What else did Nigerians want?

Will there be a time we will ever be satisfied and get contented with the kind of leaders we have?

Putin is a dictator

He's far richer than Bill Gate

Yet, Russians aren't complaining about him

Contentment is what we need at the moment and not good leadership

Be contented!

Can you read what you just wrote? Does it make sense to you?

SolutionMee:
Am I the only one that didn't see anything wrong in this Adeosun NYSC certificate saga

After all, what sane Nigerians are clamoring for is optimal performance and good leadership

And she's competent at that

What else did Nigerians want?

Will there be a time we will ever be satisfied and get contented with the kind of leaders we have?

Putin is a dictator

He's far richer than Bill Gate

Yet, Russians aren't complaining about him

Contentment is what we need at the moment and not good leadership

Be contented!

the situation at hand goes beyond your narratives bro.
1) graduating before the age of 30 and not making yourself available for NYSC is a crime punishable by law. She graduated before 30.
2) We are not talking about competency here, we are talking about civil obligations as a citizen. You must have either NYSC discharge certificate or exemption letter to qualify for a government job in Nigeria. We are not saying she is not qualified or competent enough but she isn’t qualified if she failed to provide any of the two listed above. It’s good for people to ask questions whether she has it or not, people need to be clear on who holds a position as that. The truth is, the presidency didn’t handle this issue with wisdom and regards for the masses. IMO
3) Putin is the president, she is not Buhari.

Just take a look at the rubbish posted above by a chronic buhari asslicker.

Why are Nigerians like this?

Is this voodoo or what? Its just like a copied assignment, I can't comprehend.