Rivers rerun: NYSC warns APC, PDP, others over safety of corps members

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has warned political parties participating in the Saturday, December 10  National and State legislative rerun elections in Rivers State to ensure that no harm comes to any member of the NYSC serving as ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The Director-General of NYSC,  Brigadier-General Suleiman Kazaure,  stated this Tuesday,  while sensitizing Corps members that volunteered to partake in the forthcoming polls, on security and safety,  before,  during and after elections.
Brigadier-General Kazaure, who emphasised on the safety of the Corps members said the live of every NYSC member on a national assignment was very important, warning that every step should be taken to ensure their safety.
The NYSC boss, who spoke through the Director, Corps Welfare and Health Services,  Mrs.  Abosede Okaku, charged security agencies to ensure the wellbeing of the Corps members participating in the rerun elections.
He reminded the Corps members that none of them was forced to accept the job, warning them to shun every form of electoral malpractice and secure their lives first before any other thing.
Kazaure assured the corps members of their security, warning that the government would not take it lightly with anyone who compromised the security of the Corps members.
He stated: “I have told you, on December 10, we are having a major election here in the state and you will be involved. We asked Corps member to volunteer, we did not make it by force. It is only those Corps members that volunteered that will take part in the election. Do not involve yourself in electoral malpractice, else, you will face the wrath of the law.
“Avoid bribery and corruption, destruction of electoral material because they are punishable offences. You are asking the question on security of the Corps member, the DG has liaised with the security operatives, the IG, the Commissioner of Police, the Army commander, the Federal Road Safety Commander and others for your security.
“Your security is very important to us. We will not allow any attack on our corps members. We will not take it lightly with anyone who would want to compromise the security of our corps members. Anywhere you are, put a call through to us so that we will know how to get you out
“You will be protected. Put your uniform and your ID cards, so that we will know who is an impersonator. If you find out that there is danger, secure yourself first before any other thing.
“On Election day, do not mingle with anybody you do not know, you can be drugged or killed. Get your own food, get water that will carry you for 24 hours.”
“Abide by the rules of the election. Do not be drunk before and after the election. Display a high level of patriotism and integrity. Be cautious and polite and neutral and be very firm.”
The State Coordinator on NYSC, Mrs. Ngozi Nwatarali charged the corps members to take the issues raised on the conduct of election seriously.
Nwatarali stated that the security and safety of the corps member was of the utmost importance, stressing that the corps does not want to lose any copper.
The DG’s visit is what we have been waiting for because he will inform you of your adequate roles in the election, the security tips and all you need to know before embarking on the journey for the election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak begged the corps members who had volunteered for the election not to change their mind.
Ikoiwak said, “I thank the corps members who accepted this call. I urge you not to change your mind. Nothing should make you to change your mind to say, yesterday I accepted but today I have changed my mind.”