Yesterday September 14th, Nairametrics was among the first media outlets to break the news about the resignation of Mrs Kemi Adeosun as Nigeria’s Finance Minister.
As expected, this development threw many people into a frenzy, even as others dealt with it more ‘cautiously’ seeing as the development was yet unconfirmed by the Government.
But as a confirmation was eventually given late last night by Mr Femi Adesina (media aid to the President), many Nigerians voiced their opinions on the matter on Social Media.
Before we get to what the people said, below is a quick refresher on this matter:
- Mrs Kemi Adeosun was (until her resignation) Nigeria’s Minister of Finance. She is one of the few women to have been appointed to head such a high level public office.
- Unfortunately, she never had it easy. The economy was in a serious recession, and many people doubted her capability to turn things around.
- When the NYSC certificate scandal came to light earlier this year, “all hell let loose” and public opinion was against her. This is even before everyone knew the details surrounding the matter.
- Mrs Adeosun probably made a (bad?) decision by keeping quiet on the matter for a long time.
- There was an investigation, at the end of which it became clear that the NYSC exemption letter she got is a fake one.
- For this, she decided to do the “honourable” thing and resign. She also publicly addressed the NYSC certificate saga for the first time.
- Interestingly, her side of the story exposed a morality problem which most Nigerians are used to as far as public administration in the country is concerned.
Now here’s how Nigerians are having their say…
First of all, many people praised her ‘financial prowess’ and integrity.
Wit her financial prowess, #KemiAdeosun #BailOut over 25 wasteful governors wit limitd resources. Adeosun is a moon among stars!
— akinyemitemitope27@yahoo.com (@Akinyem51668864) September 15, 2018
Others think she did the right thing by resigning.
Resigning is the honourable thing to do @HMKemiAdeosun get your nysc sorted and I wish you all the best. You have earned my respect for this singular act. #kemiadeosun since I was born I have never heard of a minister resigning. #Nigeria
— Gatiri Dakwak Asaolu (@Gatiri) September 14, 2018
Minister of Finance #KemiAdeosun has finally resigned. Kudos to her.. now we know that there are people with integrity in Govt. Who do you think will take over ?
— Helen Event Blog (@HelenEventBlog) September 14, 2018
Thank you @HMKemiAdeosun for your service. It came later than expected but it is the right thing to do. Wishing u all the very best. Prosecution shld be the next though I am emotional about this but the law must take its course. Thank you, Thank you. I will miss you #KemiAdeosun
— Olawale Kadri (@Olawale_Kadri) September 14, 2018
Meanwhile, other people are not happy she had to resign over a ‘mistake’, seeing as other public officials have done worse without consequences.
#kemiadeosun resigned on allegation of certificate forgery, yet someone else hired ten SANs to defend his own certificate. Nigerians have selective amnesia…
— Chika (@gentle_Chika) September 14, 2018
It's sad that a brilliant woman had to make a minor mistake that later hunt and will continue to till eternity,we all must check our steps #KemiAdeosun
— Kamal Adeyemi (@kampacino) September 14, 2018
Some blamed it on the system
I have a close friend carrying fake car documents around Lagos. (Though he paid for original) until @FRSCNigeria stopped him and discovered. Many are victim of this in Nigeria. #kemiadeosun https://t.co/yIlsFQL3z2
— Omowale JOHN (@john_omowale) September 15, 2018
This scandal has shown the dislocation within the system. #KemiAdeosun
— Adamu Ibrahim (@abuabdulg) September 15, 2018
Others pointed out the irony in all of this.
Many of you procured driver's Licences without any tests in those days. Just give money and passport to an agent and they brought fake licences for you from Ogun State. But you're here bashing Kemi Adeosun for falling victim of a failed system. #KemiAdeosun
— Kehinde A. (@mckenny) September 15, 2018
Some are simply die-hard-supporters; choosing to stand by her despite everything
But others insist she is the worst thing that has happened since the Nigerian civil war…
Dear President @MBuhari, thank you for accepting @HMKemiAdeosun's resignation. Make sure she is charged to court and sent to prison. This will give a strong signal to the international community on your fight against corruption. @DrJoeAbah #kemiadeosun pic.twitter.com/IXiYLxnW1b
— Gaf's (@gafah2015) September 15, 2018
#KemiAdeosun plunged the Nigerian economy into recession, increased national debt by 87.4%( from N12.12 Trillion to N22.71 Trillion).
Extreme poverty capital and double digit inflation Minister pic.twitter.com/IzOmBahEc1
— IKECHUKWU (@iykimo) September 14, 2018
