NYSC finally speaks on plight of Corps Members on election duties

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has finally spoken on the unpleasant encounter, expereinced by many corps members assigned for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, duties in several states across the country last weekend.

In a statement made available signed by Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi, the Scheme’s Director of Press and Public Relations, the NYSC said the tales of woes by the corps members have been confirmed as true situation report which is at variance with the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between INEC and the Scheme.

The statement reads in part: “While these incidents have been adduced to the logistic challenges which the INEC experienced, the NYSC wishes to note that the unpleasant occurrences are totally at variance with the spirit of our MoU with INEC.

“Therefore, we are currently engaged in discussion with INEC Management towards ensuring that these and all other sundry issues bordering on the welfare and security of corps members are quickly addressed and redressed before the rescheduled elections.

“It will be recalled that in the build up to the participation of corps members as ad-hoc electoral staff, the Director-General of the NYSC, Major General SZ Kazaure and members of Management embarked on nationwide tour to meet with INEC State officials, heads of security agencies, community and opinion leaders to obtain assurances on the welfare and security of corps members before, during and after the elections.

‘In these meetings, NYSC received full assurances on adequate arrangement for transport, accommodation and security, especially at the Registration Area Centres (RACs) throughout the period. We therefore expect improved safety and welfare provisions by INEC in the rescheduled elections.”

Aderemi gave further assurances to the corps members and the general public that the safety, welfare and remuneration shall be provided by INEC as agreed and in accordance with the spirit of the MoU.

“In this regard, INEC has assured Management that it has commenced payment of training and feeding allowances to the corps members nationwide, as well as the election duty allowances.

“Finally, the NYSC Management wishes to thank parents, individuals, groups and other stakeholders for the show of concern for the well-being of our corps members and to assure all Nigerians that our commitments to their welfare is unwavering,” she said.