2019: ARMY, POLICE ASSURE NYSC OF CORPS MEMBERS SAFETY DURING ELECTIONS
The Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police have assured Corps members to be engaged on duties during the 2019 general election of their safety during the polls.
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Maj. Gen. Suleiman Kazaure gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy visits to the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Abubakar Maikobi and the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr. Danmallam Mohammed.
Maj. Gen. Kazaure, who said that Corps members were great national assets, noted that the reason for his visit to the security chiefs was to get their commitment on the security of the corps members.
“Let me thank the GOC for the cordial relationship existing between the scheme and Nigeria Army, 82 Division. We are here because the general election is around the corner. In the next 21 days we will be out to elect our president and National Assembly members.
“We are all are all aware that Corps members are part of the electoral process. They take part as INEC ad-hoc staff. So we are here to solicit your cooperation to ensure the safety of our Corps members during the exercise.
“The Corps members are national assets and they are on National Assignment. I think there is need to protect them adequately. On this not I thank you for the warm reception,” the NYSC DG stated.
In his response, the GOC, 82 Division, who was representated by the Chief of Staff, of the division, Brig. Gen. Ginikanwa Kenneth Nwosu, assured the NYSC boss that the Nigerian Army would ensure the safety both corps members and other individuals who would be on election duty.
“In respect of the 2019 General elections, and the deployment of the Corp members, I want to assure you that the division will do all within its powers to ensure their safety and the safety of all other staff who will be taking part in the election.
“We are going to organize some security briefing and enlighten them on the emergency numbers to be called in the case of any eventuality. We pray that there will not be crisis but in case it happens, I want to assure you that we are going to be ready.
“We understand the circumstances of corps members falling victims of political violence and we would not want that to happen, not only in Enugu State but in 82 Division area of responsibility,” the GOC assured.
In his own response, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Mr. Danmallam Mohammed, who reiterated the preparedness of the command to tackle any security challenge that might occur as a result of the elections, assured the Corps members of adequate protection.
“On the issue of the 2019 general election, the Enugu State Police Command is prepared. We have taken a lot of steps to ensure the safety of citizens during the election.
“We are assuring the Corps members that we are going to give them that adequate protection.
We will also provide security to their residence. As you all know, politically, Enugu is very calm and peaceful. Our main aim is how to sustain the peace we are enjoying in Enugu.
“And we are going to do everything within the law to make sure that the peace we are enjoying in Enugu is not disrupted. Any attempt by anybody to truncate this peace will be resisted with maximum force. So we are warning trouble makers to stay away from Enugu,” he said.
CHUKWUMA EZEOGU