₦airaland Forum

Some corps members serving in Borno State have accused an official of the National Youth Service Corps in the state of forcefully engaging them in political activities.

According to the corps members, they were on Monday asked to come for a briefing from one of the Zonal Inspectors, Audu Lawan, but on getting to the venue, they discovered it was an All Progressives Congress event.

They added that the event, which was held at the Maiduguri Municipal Council secretariat, turned violent and many of them were assaulted by political thugs.

“A Borno State NYSC official on Monday again engaged us to one APC political activity in the state,” one of them told SaharaReporters.

“Corps members were asked to come for briefing from the Zonal Inspector, only for us to come and see that it was a political event.

“Unfortunately, the event turned violent for some hours and we were beaten by thugs. Yet, we were still mandated to stay as there would be attendance taking. They asked us not to go anywhere because there would be mandatory attendance.”

Another corps member said, “Most of us aren’t surprised, The Zonal Inspector, Mr Lawan is known for treating corps members in Maiduguri like animals.

“Especially during monthly clearance, he will not come to sign in time and then maltreat corps members by abusing them or seize their uniforms without any genuine reason. He is known for punishing corps members to stand at the sun, so forcing us to attend a political rally against our wish isn’t a big deal to him.”

SaharaReporters gathered that the provisions of the NYSC Act and Bye-laws prohibit participation in partisan politics

“Any member who takes part in partisan politics is liable to extension of service for a period not less than three months without pay,” Section 9 under the Miscellaneous Offences and Penalties, read.

A few days ago, the acting Director-General of NYSC, Mrs Christy Uba warned members of the scheme against engaging in any form of electoral misconduct in the 2023 general election.

Corps Members In Borno Kick As Official Allegedly Tricked Them To Attend APC Campaign Rally

She said any corps member involved in any form of electoral offence would face the wrath of the law as stipulated in the Electoral Act.

“If you must participate, you are encouraged to remain neutral and apolitical.

“Do not involve yourself in politics; you are corps members and you have a duty to your country; you have to be careful.

“If you fall foul of the law, you will be treated as any other Nigerian. There is no cover for corps members; when you carry ballot box for anybody; you will go to prison straight”, she had said.

“Corps members were asked to come for briefing from the Zonal Inspector, only for us to come and see that it was a political event.

“Unfortunately, the event turned violent for some hours and we were beaten by thugs. Yet, we were still mandated to stay as there would be attendance taking. They asked us not to go anywhere because there would be mandatory attendance.”

lhordspy:
Sahara reporters?