Minister Hannatu Musawa, 'Yay or Nay'.

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The political landscape of Nigeria has been buzzing with mixed reactions following the recent appointment of Hannatu Musawa as the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy. The controversy lies in the dispute over her ongoing service in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Several sources have disputed Musawa's age, a critical element in understanding her eligibility for the NYSC program. The Platinum Times blog posts that she was born on September 20, 1973, making her 50 by 2023. Contrarily, another blog claims a 1990 birthdate, while The Whistler Newspaper asserts that she will be 43 in 2023.

The NYSC's objective is to inculcate loyalty and nationalism among Nigerian youths, and the scheme mandates a year of service, generally for those under 30. With Musawa's age under scrutiny, it raises questions about her simultaneous involvement in the NYSC and her ministerial role. The NYSC bylaws prohibit corps members from participating in partisan politics, aiming to uphold the scheme's non-partisan nature. Hence, serving as a minister, an evidently political role, while also being an NYSC member seems contradictory.

Despite this, past precedence exists. In 2019, Joana Nnazua Kolo, then a 26-year-old corps member, was appointed commissioner for youths and sports in Kwara State. Such dual roles, as seen with Musawa now, often spark debates over the interpretation of NYSC bylaws.

Prominent lawyers have weighed in on the issue. The Nigerian Constitution, they argue, takes precedence over the NYSC Act. As per the Constitution's Section 147, the qualifications for a minister align with those for a member of the House of Representatives – being 25, having a school certificate, and being sponsored by a political party. The crux of the debate is whether Musawa's NYSC status interferes with these criteria.

Prominent lawyer, Mr. Norrison Quakers, asserts there are no constitutional limitations regarding her concurrent roles. Similarly, Dr. Abiodun Layonu highlights that a ministerial position does not necessitate a university degree. Mr. Seyi Sowemimo emphasizes the President's discretion in appointments, while Femi Falana contests that a serving youth corps member needs to be more competent for a ministerial role.

Musawa's credentials are not in doubt. A barrister and attorney of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, she has a rich legal background in both Nigeria and the UK, even serving significant political figures.

In conclusion, while Hannatu Musawa's appointment showcases President Tinubu's inclination towards youth empowerment, it also underscores the need for clarity between constitutional guidelines and statutory provisions like the NYSC Act. Whether Musawa's appointment will stand the test of time or be repealed, the debate underscores a broader need to reassess existing laws and their practical application in evolving political contexts.

#Staytunedformore

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