Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General, Yushau Dogara Ahmed, has charged the Corps members who billed to serve as Ad-hoc personnel in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, to adhere strictly to the guidelines contained in the Electoral Act, especially by remaining neutral throughout the exercise.
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Mr Ahmed gave the charge, on Tuesday, at the closing ceremony of the 2023 batch ‘A’ Stream 1 orientation course, held at NYSC permanent Orientation Camp, located at old Macgregor College, Afikpo in Afikpo North LGA of Ebonyi State.
The DG who was represented by the State Coordinator, Mrs Bamai Mercy, assured the Corps members that the Scheme had secured the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies regarding their welfare and safety before, during and after the elections.
Ahmed said: “My dear compatriots, as you are already aware, the 2023 General Elections are around the corner. As was the case with the previous elections conducted from 2008, Corps members will form the majority of ad hoc personnel that will be enlisted for the conduct of the exercise. It will interest you to know that the performance of your predecessors contributed to the credibility of the previous elections, and earned NYSC accolades from both local and foreign observers.
“Therefore, I enjoin you to take a cue from them by performing the election duties with high sense of responsibility. You are to ensure adherence to the guidelines contained in the Electoral Act and, especially, remain neutral throughout the exercise. As you get set to partake in this important national assignment, I would like to assure you that we have secured the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies regarding your welfare and safety before, during and after the elections.”
The Director-general also urged Corps Members to sustain the spirit of patriotism, hard work and resilience, which they imbibed during the Orientation Course, adding, “it is my ardent hope that you will strive to meet the expectations of Nigerians by contributing towards the progress and development of our dear country.”
Mr Ahmed further enjoined Corps members to perform their duties with diligence and be guided by the provisions of the NYSC Act and Bye-Laws as well as workplace rules and regulations.
“In keeping with the objectives of the Scheme, you are expected to integrate into your host communities while also appreciating and respecting their cultures. You must desist from meddling in their local politics. Furthermore, I enjoin you to undertake personal and group Community Development Service Projects that will help to uplift the living standard of the host communities.
“I urge you to be security conscious at all times, as security is every one’s business. You should avoid acts that can endanger your lives such as staying out late, attending night parties, visitation of dangerous places, and acceptance of car ride and gifts from strangers. On our part, we are committed to making adequate provisions for your security and general welfare in line with the policy thrust of my administration. Accordingly, we are in constant liaison with security agencies and other critical stakeholders with a view to ensuring your safety as well as addressing other essential needs for a fulfilling service year.
“At all times, you should be good ambassadors of the NYSC as well as your families and institutions of graduation. Therefore, you must be wary of acts that can portray the Scheme in bad light, especially drug abuse and
trafficking, cybercrime, advanced-fee-fraud and spreading of fake news, amongst others. Also remember that your membership of the Service Corps does not confer on you immunity from the legal consequences of any wrongdoing. You are, therefore, enjoined to continue to be law-abiding while also serving as role models for the younger ones.
“I urge you to avoid using the social media for ethnic jingoism, rumour peddling and the promotion of hatred. Instead, your activities online should be targeted at self-improvement as well as promotion of the unity, peace and development of our dear country. In the same vein, avoid being speculative on issues affecting the NYSC and, instead, visit our website, social media platforms and other official channels for clarifications,” Mr Ahmed concluded.
