From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Ahead of February 25 presidential and March 11 governorship elections across the country, the federal government has reassured participating Corps Members in the conduct of the polls nationwide of their security.
The Director- General of NYSC, Brigadier-General Y.D. Ahmed gave the assurance during the sensitization programme on likely challenges for corps members engaged for the national assignment in Kogi state.
He said that the sensitization programme is in collaboration with the security and paramilitary agencies in Kogi state.
The Director-General who was represented by one of his Directors from NYSC headquarters, Abuja, Mr. Tonlek Palndirnen also gave an assurance that the federal government will ensure the provision of needed materials for the success of the national assignment just as he promised that government will accord priority to the welfare of corpers engaged for the conduct of the elections.
“Adequate arrangements have been put in place to meet with the likely challenges NYSC members may face in the discharge of the national assignment
“You should all therefore, strive to exhibit high level of patriotism in the conduct of this all important assignment with the fear of God.
“I advise you with all seriousness and sense of humility to shun any form of gratification to the detriment of the call for the national service. Don’t allow your self to be used by politicians for their selfish reasons as you will be made to face the full wrath of the law if caught in the negative act” the NYSC DG warned.
“Once again, I want to emphasize the need for all of you to show patriotism, commitment and integrity before, during and after the elections” Brigadier-General Ahmed pleaded.
He commended Governor Yahaya Bello’s efforts to ensure peaceful environment and security of lives and property since assumption of office.
He lauded corps members for answering the Clarion call for them to participate in the service of their father land.
“Be security conscious and endeavour to report any threat to lives, malpractices to the security personnel nearest to you. In case of technical challenges, try and report to the INEC technicians.”
The Representative of the Police, ASP Joshua Tanko and that of the DSS, Dan Agu, in their separate remarks, advised NYSC members to be more alive to the issue of their safety while on the field.
“If there is issues like threat to live, just be calm irrespective of what is happening even if you are attacked. You should simply take the option of reporting such issues to security personnel around you for necessary action.”
