The Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy has defended her decision to accept a ministerial appointment while undergoing the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), asserting that she acted within legal bounds.

The controversy arose after the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) raised concerns about her serving in Abuja during her NYSC tenure. Emeka Megwa, Director of Press and Public Relations for the NYSC, stated that holding a government position during the service year contravenes the NYSC Act. He noted that the minister was mobilized for service in Ebonyi State in 2001 but later relocated to Kaduna, where she reportedly absconded without completing her service.

In an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, the minister responded, emphasizing that she did not violate any laws. She stated that she had completed two years of national youth service previously and insisted that her actions were lawful.

“There have been many differing accounts of the situation,” she said. “The fact that I am here shows I did nothing wrong. I have not publicly clarified the details, but I will in the future.”

She reiterated, “I did not break the law. I completed my NYSC, and everything I did was in accordance with the law and regulations.”

When asked if she feared being removed from the cabinet due to ongoing controversies, the minister expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s judgment. “I don’t think there is any real controversy about my role,” she stated, emphasizing her support for the President’s vision for Nigeria.

She concluded by saying, “I trust the President to make decisions in the best interest of the nation and to ensure that his cabinet is aligned with his mission.”