NYSC DG seeks security support for corps members deployed for Edo election

YD Ahmed, director-general of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has asked for security support for corps members and its officials serving during the Edo state governorship election on Saturday.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) customarily deploys corps members as ad hoc staff during elections.

In a statement on Friday, Caroline Embu, NYSC’s acting director of information and public relations, said Ahmed spoke during his visit to 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Benin city.

The DG said that the involvement of corps members in the process underscores NYSC’s “proven track record” in ensuring successful elections nationwide.

“I am here to solicit for your support for the security of the Corps Members that will participate in the election,” he said.

“We also seek assistance from other security agencies to oversee the Corps Lodges in the State up till after the election.

“We have 2,550 Corps Members that were trained to participate in the election in all the 18 local Government Areas of the State.”

Ahmed added that corps members are committed to upholding electoral laws, having undergone thorough sensitisation.

On his part, OG Onubogu, general officer commanding (GOC) 2 division of the Nigerian Army in Ibadan, who is on election monitoring in Edo, assured Ahmed of a safe and secure electoral process.

“We are beside you and we shall be there to ensure that nothing happens to any Corps Member”, he said.

Frank Mba, who is coordinating police operatives on election duty, pledged to ensure corps members’ safety and protection throughout the exercise.