THE Director-General, National Youth Service Corps, Maj.-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure has urged Ekiti Corps members participating in the 2019 general elections not to mortgage their future by taking tokens from anybody during the elections.
Kazaure gave the advice during the closing ceremony of the sensitisation organised for Ekiti corps members who would be ad hoc staff members for INEC in the Feb,16 and March 2, elections.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the event took place on Wednesday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
NAN also reports that the D-G was represented by the Head of the National Directorate of NYSC Welfare and Inspectorate, Mr Emmanuel Otokia.
According to the D-G, any corps members found wanting during and after the elections will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“As you all know you are government’s ‘pikin’ and the government is always ready to defend you.
ALSO READ: Elections: NYSC calls for synergy among security agencies in Niger
“But concerning the elections, if any corps members make any mistake NYSC will abandon such individual.
“Your attitudes on Saturday will either make or mar you. Do not take a bribe from anybody.
“Once you take any token and you are recorded and reported the law will be allowed to take its full course.
“Do not collect money from any politician, do not collect foods or even soft drinks from anybody, so that they do not put something in it that will make you sleep-off at your polling units.
“Be aware of the Special Election Tribunal and that you will be tried and made to face the full weight of the law if you commit any electoral offence,” the DG said.
The NYSC boss, while giving tips on security to the corps members, urged them to be their own chief security in case of an emergency.
He said, “At first when you get to your duty post, survey the environment for possible escape routes, in case of an emergency you are the chief security of yourself.
Speaking earlier, Mrs Emmanuella Okpongete, the state Coordinator for NYSC, urged the corps members to exhibit a high sense of patriotism while discharging their national assignment.
Okpongete charged them not to be influenced by tribal, religion or any type of affiliation stressing the need for them to be patriotic.
Speaking on the security of life and property, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Abiodun Alabi, assured the corps members and residents of Ekiti, of their safety.
He said that adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure peaceful elections.
He said, “I want to assure you that adequate security measures have been put in place for your safety.
NAN also reports that present at the occasion were representatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Service, (DSS).
The Ekiti INEC, Head of Operations, Mr Alani Odutanu, was also present at the programme.
and then