Former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has said her exit from the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari was orchestrated by what she described as “powerful enemies” within government who exploited the controversy surrounding her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
Adeosun made the disclosure during an interview on Inside Sources on Channels Television, where she explained that the NYSC certificate saga was used as an opportunity by influential interests determined to force her out of office.
She resigned in 2018 after allegations emerged that the NYSC certificate included in her official documentation was forged.
According to Adeosun, once the issue surfaced, she immediately informed President Buhari and made it clear that she intended to seek legal redress to clear her name.
She explained that remaining in office while initiating legal action against the Federal Government would have been inappropriate, leaving her with no option but to resign.
“I had powerful enemies who saw an opening and decided it was time to get rid of me,” she said.
Adeosun noted that her resignation was a difficult decision, stressing that she was the only finance minister under the Buhari administration to step down voluntarily.
“The day I resigned, I went straight to the president and told him I needed to leave, but I would go to court to defend my name,” she stated.
She added that Buhari supported her decision, advising that safeguarding one’s name and legacy was more important than holding on to public office.
According to her, pursuing a lawsuit against the government while still serving as a minister would have amounted to a conflict of interest.
“You can’t be suing the government and remain in government at the same time,” Adeosun said, adding that stepping aside was the most ethical course of action.
