The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig.-Gen. Bamidele Olawunmi, has warned politicians against attacking corps members participating in the conduct of elections in the country.
The DG gave this warning while speaking with journalists at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Ede, Osun State, on Monday.
He also warned corps members against receiving any form of inducement from politicians or any other person or group apart from the NYSC.
Olawunmi said that any corps member who violated the directive would be handed over to the police for prosecution.
He said, “We are all aware that corps members have been part of electoral process since 2011 and their involvement has brought some credibility to the elections.
“Politicians should talk to their supporters to avoid any form of violence against these corps members. These are young people who have been called to serve their nation and as such they are only contributing their quota to the development of the country. I know Osun State people are peace-loving, they should avoid any form of violence against these youths.”
He said that since the declaration of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, the NYSC had moved its orientation camps from the three states to ensure security of the corps members.
While assuring corps members of adequate security at the orientation camps and during their service year, Olawumi also advised them against embarking on unnecessary travels.
He said, “We care so much about your safety and that is why we have put up adequate security at the orientation camps. We also assure you of safety after your departure from the camps.
“We know you are the future of the nation but you also need to assist us by not embarking on unnecessary travels. Don’t travel except it is very important. We have discovered that road accident is one of the challenges to corps members’ security. What you are traveling to look for in Lagos, Abuja and other cities are right there at the camp.”