By Kayemo news
Opinion:
She is the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy. Very brilliant and cultured. I have not met her, but had telephone conversations sometimes between 2005 and 2007 when I was the Editor, Leadership Sunday. Then, she was the back page columnist for the Sunday edition.
I am presently disturbed by allegations that she is now serving the compulsory NYSC scheme and the same time a Minister of the Federal Republic. I recall reading media reports that the 9th Senate rejected her nomination as PENCOM Commissioner by former President Buhari on account of her non-participation in the mandatory NYSC scheme.
If it is true that Hannatu Musa Musawa never served or still serving the NYSC scheme as Minister, then our nation has been turned into an outlaw. If it is true that the Senate under Godswill Akpabio allowed such an infraction and got carried away by the tears of the then ministerial nominee, then one must be afraid of what members of the hallowed – or is it hollow?! – chamber can do to perpetuate injustice.
Before now, former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun had come under fire for skipping the mandatory NYSC scheme. After public angst over the matter raged unceasingly, she could not survive the heat and had to resign. What is good for Adeosun should also be good for Musawa.
I am sure that Musawa knows the ground rules. She has been a superlative columnist and lawyer in the UK. I have read her columns through the years and came to the conclusion that she occupies a prominent position for those advocating equity and Rule of Law. While she remains mute over the matter, I strongly advise her to speak up and dispell our fears.
Much as I desire to see her function as a Minister, I call on her to either show evidence of having served the mandatory NYSC scheme or resign honourably. Musawa should live up to what she has always written and stood for: Justice.
No one should play the ostrich on this matter. Let the public outrage over the matter continue. No country can survive on having two sets of rules for her citizens. Nigerians should demand full disclosure on the matter. What is good for Adeosun (South) should also be good for Musawa (North).
