An Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has called on the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, to stop being a pawn in the hands of destructive politicians.
Olajengbesi made the remark while criticizing NYSC for lack of due diligence in the certificate and alleged forgery case involving the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah.
In a statement on Wednesday, Olajengbesi said, “It is unfortunate that NYSC certificates have become tools to settle political scores and more unfortunate is that some unscrupulous NYSC officials have given themselves away for the scheming of dark-hearted politicians.”
The lawyer also commended the judiciary for doing justice on the matter, saying, “The lack of due diligence by the NYSC leaves much to be desired.”
Olajengbesi urged the NYSC Director General, Brig. Gen. Dogara Ahmed, to reorganise the Service and instil discipline, especially in the staff of the Service to forestall more embarrassment to the Service.
On Monday, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja dismissed the allegation of forgery against Mbah and imposed a fine of N5 million on NYSC for alleging that the corps’ discharge certificate held by the governor was fake.
Delivering judgment on the matter, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that the certificate presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, by Mbah, was authentic and validly issued by the NYSC.
