Former Presidential Campaign Spokesperson Defends Minister’s Appointment Amid Backlash

Former Presidential Campaign Spokesperson Defends Minister’s Appointment Amid Backlash

Dr. Josef Onoh, who served as the spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu’s presidential campaign, has come forward to address the controversy surrounding the appointment of a corp member, Hannatu Musawa, as the Minister for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.

The appointment had sparked criticism due to Musawa’s ongoing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) commitment.

Onoh clarified that there had been no violation of the law in appointing Musawa as a minister while she is still in active service with the NYSC.

He emphasized that the constitution clearly outlines the authority of the NYSC, which includes the ability to remobilize her in the future if she chooses not to complete her current service.

In light of Musawa’s role as a minister, Onoh argued that whether or not she notified the NYSC about her appointment is irrelevant.

The NYSC’s response could potentially involve canceling her service year.

Once her tenure as a minister concludes, she could then seek remobilization.

He stressed that her acceptance of the ministerial position indirectly implies her agreement to be remobilized at a later time.

Addressing the issue further, Onoh highlighted that Musawa did not present her NYSC certificate and was not criticized for failing to meet the constitutional requirement for a ministerial role.

He suggested that political office holders should strictly adhere to the minimum requirements outlined in the Constitution to discourage the obsession with certificate-related controversies.

He urged those dissatisfied with the situation to pursue their concerns through legal means rather than using it as a tool for political gain.

Onoh expressed the need to prioritize service delivery and competence over the fixation on certificates and qualifications.

He pointed out that foreign contractors often rely on experience rather than extensive qualifications, yet they effectively contribute to the country’s development.

He also defended the role of security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), in conducting screenings and providing advice on matters of interest.

He acknowledged the discretion of the President in heeding such advice and commended the dedication of security personnel.

In conclusion, Onoh called on those opposing Musawa’s appointment to take their grievances to court rather than resorting to media tactics for political gain.

He emphasized the importance of addressing matters through legal channels and respecting the efforts of security personnel in the country.

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