Stella Oduah releases NYSC photo amid allegations of absconding from service

Senator Stella Oduah (Anambra North, PDP) has released a photo of herself in the uniform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to respond to allegations that she did not complete her service year.

A group identified as Concerned Anambra North Peoples Democratic Party Stakeholders had asked NYSC to validate the former minister of aviation’s claim of losing her certificate.

In a letter by the director-general of the NYSC which was signed on his behalf by the director, press and public relations, Eddy Megwa, the agency said Oduah commenced her NYSC programme in 1982. The NYSC said she was posted to Lagos, but she absconded.

However, the lawmaker in a statement released through her media aide, Ezennia Chukwudebe, said she “served meritoriously at NECA in 1982 as can be confirmed from this 11th January 2017 clarification from the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association personally signed by the Director-General, O.A Oshinowo.”

The statement said, “Senator Stella Oduah did not only serve meritoriously but would go on to work in the NNPC, a Federal Government establishment, for the next nine years!

“Nigerians need to understand that the persons behind the fake letter currently doing the rounds are desperate, despondent and out of their wits end for they instinctively appreciate the fact that the Distinguished Senator is one leader that continues to be appreciated and loved for her many people-oriented programs and no amount of sponsored media mudslinging can obliterate this fact.”

The statement further said that “this is election season and it is expected to see such antics” by people it referred to as “weak traducers”.