The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has lamented the indifference
of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the poor
treatment of corps members on election duty.
The NYSC said the unpleasant occurrences are totally at variance with
the spirit of the MoU with INEC.
Reacting to the viral pictures and tales of woes experienced by many
corps members assigned to INEC duties in several states across the
country on the eve of the postponed general elections in a statement
by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, the
NYSC said it has commenced meetings with the electoral umpire to
ensure that the welfare of the corps members is prioritised by the
commission.
The NYSC said: “While these incidents have been adduced to the
logistic challenges which the INEC experienced, the NYSC wishes to
note that the unpleasant occurrences are totally at variance with the
spirit of our MoU with INEC. Therefore, we are currently engaged in
discussion with INEC management towards ensuring that these and all
other sundry issues bordering on the welfare and security of corps
members are quickly addressed and redressed before the rescheduled
elections.
“It will be recalled that in the build up to the participation of corps members as ad-hoc electoral staff, the Director-General of the NYSC, Major General SZ Kazaure and members of management embarked on nationwide tour to meet with INEC state officials, heads of security agencies, community and opinion leaders to obtain assurances on the welfare and security of corps members before, during and after the elections.
“At these meetings, NYSC received full assurances on adequate
arrangement for transport, accommodation and security, especially at
the Registration Area Centres (RACs) throughout the period. We
therefore expect improved safety and welfare provisions by INEC in the
rescheduled elections.
“In view of the above, management wishes to use this medium to give
further assurances to the corps members and the general public that
the safety, welfare and remuneration shall be provided by INEC as
agreed and in accordance with the spirit of the MoU. In this regard,
INEC has assured management that it has commenced payment of training
and feeding allowances to the corps members nationwide, as well as the
election duty allowances,” the statement read.
