Gideon Boako, the Economic Advisor and spokesperson for the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, has come out in defense of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s proposal to make National Service optional for graduates if elected.
During his recent address to the nation on February 7, 2024, Dr. Bawumia pledged to revise the current National Service system to accommodate graduates seeking immediate employment opportunities post-tertiary education.
This announcement has stirred controversy, with critics expressing concerns about potential corruption implications.
Vincent Kuagbenu, a former Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), voiced his disapproval on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on February 8, 2024, suggesting that Dr. Bawumia’s stance on making NSS optional could stem from his own omission of mandatory national service during his university years.
In response, Dr. Boako emphasized that skipping national service is not inherently unlawful.
He stated, “Whether or not Dr. Bawumia undertook National Service is irrelevant. Not everyone in the country completes National Service, and there are instances where it is waived based on circumstances. It’s not a criminal offense to admit to not having undergone National Service. If authorities consider relevant precedents and current conditions, they may waive the requirement.”
