By Ayodele Oni, Akure
The National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) has expressed concern about the safety of youth corps members that will be engaged in the conduct of the forthcoming Edo and Ondo states governorship elections.
While Edo poll is about 23 days away, that of Ondo state will hold on October 10.
Going by reported cases of violence in the two states, the NYSC is seeking assurance from the Nigerian Army about the safety of corps members to be engaged by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) as officials.
Ondo state coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Grace Akpabio, met with the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Zakari Logun Abubakar in Akure to solicit the support of the military.
During the visit, the army Chief declared that the protection of corps members serving in Ondo State remains the priority of his Command.
He stated: “let me tell you that we have mapped out intelligence strategy to ensure that corps members that would be participating in the gubernatorial election coming up in October in all the nooks and crannies of the State can be assured of maximum protection from the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure”.
General Abubakar disclosed that his officers have identified flashpoints in the state and that they are ready to ensure that scientific and tactical approach is employed to ensure that the peace of the state is not threatened during the election.
The Army General hinted that the headship of all military formations under the second Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan met with the General officer Commanding, Major General Anthony Omozojie to map out strategies for both Edo and Ondo states gubernatorial elections.
“NYSC and the Nigerian Army have long standing relationship. The Scheme is an integral part of the Nigerian Army and we cannot treat any matters relating to NYSC as less important,” he added.
He assured that his Command would continue to synergise with other security agencies to ensure that members of the service corps operate in the state without fear or trepidation.
“We shall continue to partner with other security agencies to protect the corps members. By our training and operational vantage position, we have the capabilities and what it takes to make corps members serve the nation under protective environment”.
The NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Akpabio had sought audience with the one star general to express the concern of the Director General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim over the safety of corps members that would be engaged by INEC in the forthcoming governorship election.
Mrs. Akpabio stressed the need for the military to ensure safety of corps members not only during the elections, but throughout their service year.
