NYSC Certificate Saga: Court Strikes Out NYSC’s Objection To Governor Mbah’s Suit

A Federal High Court in Abuja, has on Friday struck-out the objection of the National Youth Service Corp, NYSC suit filed by Enugu state Governor Peter, Mbah on the authenticity of his discharge certificate.

Governor Mbah dragged the Corps before the court seeking N20b damages over alleged conspiracy, deceit, and wilful misrepresentation of facts against him, that he didn’t complete the mandatory service.

He had told the court in the application by his lawyers led by Mr. Emeka Ozoani, SAN that, contrary to the allegation against him, he was issued a certificate of service on January 6, 2003, upon the completion of his NYSC.

But NYSC, in their response to the suit, through their lawyer, Aminu Sadauki, filed an objection, arguing that Governor Mbah should have first petitioned or appealed to the Presidency, if he felt aggrieved over any actions or statements by the NYSC regarding his certificate, rather than going to the court straightaway.

Opportunity provided

He said the Governor failed to take the opportunity provided in Section 20 of the NYSC Act before approaching the court.

In his response to the objection, however, the Governor told the court to dismiss the objection.

Mbah, through his counsel, Mr. Emeka Ozoani, SAN, said Section 20 of the NYSC Act, which NYSC’s lawyer referred to does not apply to him.

Mbah told the court to dismiss the objection on the ground that he is neither a serving Corps member nor an employee of the NYSC.

In his ruling, Justice Ekwo said the Section 20 of the NYSC Act cited by the applicant, (NYSC), is not applicable to the respondent in the application.

The court held that, the section is only applicable to serving members of the NYSC.

Counsel to Governor Mbah Mr. Emeka Ozoani, SAN in an interview expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling.

Lateefah Ibrahim