A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State, Hon Zaharaddeen Mazoji, has said the minister of culture and tourism, Barr. Hannatu Musawa can observe her mandatory one-year youth service programme and still be a serving minister at the same time.
Mazoji who stated this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja yesterday said that there was no law under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria barring her from taking up appointment as a minister while observing her youth service.
According to him, her appointment is entirely legal, and the controversy surrounding it should not persist.
Mazoji stated, “There is absolutely nothing illegal in the appointment of the minister. She can serve as a minister and at the same time observe her youth service. For me, I don’t think any issue should be made out of her appointment.”
He emphasised that allowing this controversy to continue could distract both the minister and the Federal Executive Council.
The legal expert highlighted that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, unequivocally addresses this matter without ambiguity.
He criticised those who went beyond discussing her qualifications and ventured into her personal life and regional background.
Mazoji maintained that the controversy was unnecessary, as political appointments should be viewed as a call to serve the nation rather than a means of personal gain.
He said Musawa’s appointment aligns with the youth empowerment initiative of the federal government.
He elaborated on the constitutional provisions that support her appointment. “When you look at the provisions of Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution, particularly sub-section 5, it states that no person shall be appointed as a Minister of the Government of the Federation unless qualified for election as a member of the House of Representatives.”
He argued that the qualifications for House of Representatives membership, which include being a citizen of Nigeria, attaining the age of 25 years, and having at least a school certificate level of education, should apply to ministerial nominees.
Mazoji said, “What is causing the conflict is as regards her status and a youth corps member that is still serving. We have looked at the law, and I have not seen any constitutional limitations. I have also looked at Section 2 of the NYSC Act; there is no law that says she must have finished service before she can be appointed as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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