Corps members make elections more credible, acceptable ― NYSC DG declares

IT has been declared that from 2008 when a collobaration started between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the NYSC where corps members are being engaged to conduct elections in the country, the exercise has since become more credible and acceptable.

This declaration was made by the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General Suleiman Kazaure on Wednesday during a sensitisation organized for corps members in Bauchi State on electoral duties ahead of the February 16th and March 2nd, 2019 general elections.

Suleiman Kazaure who was represented by a Senior staff from the NYSC National Headquarters, Mr Zak Ejibunu said that the deployment of corps members in the conduct of elections has been unanimously applauded by stakeholders both locally and internationally.

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The NYSC DG said that “As Corps Members who have gone through the crucible of acquiring academic knowledge, and having also undergone mentoring and character moulding by the NYSC, you are expected to handle this critical assignment with a high sense of patriotism, responsibility and integrity.”

He added that “You must bring to bear the value of the training you have received from INEC and the exhortations from the NYSC. Therefore, as agents of democratic progress, you are hereby charged to be transparent and neutral in your conduct before, during and after the elections” he charged the Corps Members.

In his speech, the Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmud Yakubu who was represented by the Chief Administration Officer of the Commission, Alhaji Abba Gubio urged the Youth Corps members to remain transparent and neutral during the conduct of exercise and shun acts that are against the electoral laws.

Mahmud Yakubu also asked them to report punctually to their assigned polling units and participate fully in the electoral process without any fear of intimidation and or harassment.

While also speaking, the Bauchi State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Afolayan James assured all the Corps Members who would be deployed to conduct the 2019 general elections that their security and welfare would be provided to enable them to discharge their duties diligently.

Afolayan James used the occasion to allay the fear of the Corps members assuring them that the NYSC has collaborated with INEC and security agencies to provide adequate security for them before, during and after the conduct of the general elections.