The Nigerian Army and Police have assured the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) of maximum security for the 2,550 corps members participating in the Edo State gubernatorial election.
This assurance was given on Friday during the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed’s advocacy visit to the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and the Edo State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City.
Edo State has 18 local government areas, and corps members have been trained and sensitized to abide by electoral laws.
Brigadier General Ahmed sought security support for corps members and NYSC officials serving as electoral officers in the election. He emphasized the scheme’s priority on corps members’ security and welfare.
The NYSC Director General also requested assistance from other security agencies to oversee corps lodges across the state until after the election.
He stated, “The Scheme holds the security and welfare of its Corps Members as a top priority. Corps Members, being the majority of the ad hoc staff for the election, are a testament to the tremendous successes NYSC has recorded through its participation in previous elections in the country.
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“I am here to solicit your support for the security of the Corps Members participating in the election. We also seek assistance from other security agencies to oversee the Corps Lodges in the State up until after the election.
“We have 2,550 Corps Members trained to participate in the election in all 18 local Government Areas of the State. Corps Members have been fully sensitized and are ready to abide by the electoral laws.”
In their separate remarks, Major General OG Onubogu, General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, and Deputy Inspector General Frank Mba, coordinating policemen on election duty, pledged their support for the NYSC.
Onubogu stated, “Brigadier General Ahmed has shown sterling leadership qualities and a strong passion for Corps Welfare and Security. We are beside you and will ensure that nothing happens to any Corps Member.”
In his response, Mba added, “I want to assure you that we will all work together and do everything within our power to ensure the safety and adequate protection of our corps members.”