Stella Oduah Gives NYSC DG 48Hrs To Retract Statement That She Absconded From Orientation Camp

…Threatens Legal Action

By Daniel Dafe

Senator representing Anambra north, Stella Adaeze Oduah OON, has described as scandalous a letter credited to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) that said she was mobilized for youth service in 1982 and served in the Lagos orientation camp but then concluded that she “absconded” and was not issued a certificate of discharge.

NYSC had in a letter replied a request by the Concerned Anambra North Peoples Democratic Party stakeholders that had written to NYSC, saying that Oduah claimed that her certificate got missing in transit.

In a statement on Thurdday by the lawmaker signed by
Ezennia Nonso Chukwudebe, her Director Media/Publicity, she said that NYSC’s statement was reckless and grossly irresponsible, that she is adding that she is not in doubt “that it was procured from NYSC for political considerations in favour of Sen. Oduah’s political detractors.”

“We are shocked that you condescended so low to make such false and unverified conclusions which is damaging to her character and image.

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“For the avoidance of doubt, Sen. Oduah’s NYSC place of primary assignment was the popular Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA). When a similar allegation was made by her political contenders in 2017, NECA issued a letter dated 11th January 2017 Ref No: NECA/SELA/H4 confirming that she carried out her NYSC primary assignment with them. Find attached a copy of that letter for reference as well as a photograph of our client as a youth corper.

“That issue also attended litigation and she has a court judgment in her favour in the case of Chinedu Emmanuel Emeka v. Princess Stella Oduah , EPT/AWK/SEN/13/2019

“Ordinarily, one need not be bothered about any other similar allegations in the light of the aforesaid judgment and the fact that NYSC is not a constitutional qualification to hold any public office in Nigeria, but your statement has to a large extent defamed her

“In your exact words, “after the orientation course, she absconded” It is curious how a person who had participated in all NYSC activities at the Orientation Camp can be said to have “absconded” because she left for her place of primary assignment as it was routine. It is either you chose to ignore your record or your office has failed to keep proper records.”

Oduah added that if in 48 hours the statement is not retracted, legal actions shall be commenced against NYSC.