By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Corps members that would serve as adhoc staff in the forthcoming Anambra State gubernatorial election on Saturday have been advised to avoid all forms of inducements.
Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), gave the warning while addressing the Corps Members in Akwa, the State Capital
He said their participation in the Anambra Governorship election is a clarion call for them to maintain neutrality by not identifying with any political party.
General Nafiu stated further that NYSC is non-partisan but is deeply involved in building a great nation that everyone would be proud of.
He said the scheme had previously participated in population census, elections, immunization programmes, awareness creation on national programmes, among others, with high accolades.
The DG commended the Corps Members’ dedication and selflessness by volunteering to serve as electoral officers.
While describing the election as a unique experience for the Corps Members, the Director General added that their involvement in the election was part of their contributions to make Nigeria great.
“We must come together, we must volunteer, we must be committed to making Nigeria great, and you should be proud of yourself for heeding the clarion call,” he said.
The DG disclosed that all eyes were on them as impartial electoral officers that are educated, enlightened, disciplined, energetic and strong, who believe so much in contributing to making Nigeria better.
General Nafiu also advised the Corps Members to resist any temptation that may force them to compromise the electoral laws, but rather do what is lawfully expected of them.
“The first thing is your personal security and you must take it very serious. I don’t want to lose any of you during this exercise.
We have gotten the commitment of the State Government, security agencies and the political parties that your lives and properties would be given priority.
Please don’t go outside the scope of what you have been taught by INEC. Try and have the phone numbers of the security men operating in your area. Don’t give us any reason to doubt your competency, your integrity, your commitment and patriotism”, General Nafiu said.
