‘It is not your duty to protect ballot boxes’
The Director
General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Maharazu Tsiga has
cautioned corps members not to get involved in the protection of ballot
boxes. Mr Tsiga, who visited corps members at the Wailo NYSC
Orientation Camp in Bauchi State, said: “It is not your duty to protect
ballot boxes, it is the duty of the security agents around. So, please
do not try to protect any ballot box in order not to endanger your
lives. Do what you are asked to based on the schedules given to you and
leave the rest to the people saddled with such responsibilities.” The
NYSC boss added that all steps have been taken to ensure that lives and
property of corps members are protected. “Specifically, all the
Commissioners of Police in the country have been directed to provide
adequate security cover to all the corps members that will be used for
the conduct of the general elections. All you need to do is to
cooperate with them and follow all security tips given to you.” He
emphasised. He added that special mobile numbers of people to be
contacted in times of emergency or security threats will be made
available to the corps members as they leave the camp. He advised them
to be security conscious.
Government’s resolve
Mr Tsiga also said
government has decided that corps members will not be posted to
communities that are known to be hostile to them. He said such
communities must sign undertakings with the security agents before the
government will reconsider them.
On their welfare,
Mr Tsiga announced that the allowance of the corps members has been
increased. He however, did not disclose the new allowance. He said
allowance is fairly reasonable, considering the present economic
situation in the country and urged them to be prudent in their
spending. “You are Nigeria, the future of this country rests on your
shoulders, so please do your best and leave the rest for God so that
your enemies will be put to shame, I can see a bright future for you
all as the sky will be your starting point and not your limit,” he said.
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