President
Muhammadu Buhari has spoken on the need for Nigerians to take part in the
national youth service, NYSC, but continued to maintain silence over the
revelation that his minister skipped the mandatory programme and obtained a
fake exemption certificate.
A PREMIUM
TIMES investigation showed that finance minister, Kemi Adeosun, failed to serve
despite graduating before the age of 30. The minister obtained a forged
discharge certificate afterwards, when she was apparently not entitled to one.
Over 44
days after the revelation, the Minister has refused to react to the scandal.
The federal government has also failed to address the matter.
On Tuesday
however, while celebrating Sallah in Daura, his hometown, Mr Buhari said his
support for the scheme remains unchanged.
The
president, after prayers, received members of the NYSC serving in Daura
community- an audience that has become part of his schedule during the Sallah
celebrations in the past years.
While
reaffirming his support for the scheme established in 1973, Mr Buhari told the
corps members that: ‘‘It is better to know all about the country than for
people to be state-inclined.
‘‘I always
look forward to meeting the NYSC team because I served mostly in the south when
I was in the military.”
He said
that during his military career that many people did not know much outside
their immediate environment.
‘‘For them
(NYSC members) to be brought to the desert or near the Sahel region is a very
difficult thing but it will make an impact on Nigeria.
‘‘I have
personally spoken to Gen. Gowon to thank him for having the initiative to start
the NYSC programme. It is very good for Nigeria.’’
The
president also welcomed the corps members to the ancient town of Daura and
asked them to enjoy their service year.
A
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