Kemi Adeosun, former minister of finance, has revealed that her resignation from the Muhammadu Buhari administration was influenced by what she described as the actions of “powerful enemies” within the government.
Adeosun made the disclosure during an interview on Channels Television, excerpts of which aired on Thursday, January 1, ahead of the full episode of *Inside Sources* scheduled for Friday, January 2.
She resigned from office in 2018 following allegations that she submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate as part of her credentials. Looking back, Adeosun said some individuals within the Buhari administration who were opposed to her used the controversy as an opportunity to force her out of government.
According to her, she was fully aware that influential figures were eager to see her removed from office. Before stepping down, she said she met with President Buhari to explain the situation and informed him of her plan to approach the courts to clear her name.
Adeosun noted that her decision to resign was deliberate, stressing that she was the only finance minister who had taken such a step under the circumstances. She recalled telling the president that she needed to leave office in order to pursue legal action.
She said Buhari supported her decision, emphasizing the importance of preserving one’s reputation for future generations. Adeosun recalled the president advising that it was not worth damaging one’s name simply to remain in office.
The former minister added that it would have been inappropriate to continue serving in government while suing it. In her view, resigning before taking legal action was the right and ethical choice.
In July 2021, a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that Adeosun could not be sanctioned or penalized over her occupation in relation to the NYSC issue. The court held that she was not legally required to present an NYSC certificate to hold public office, although it did not rule on the allegation of forgery itself.
