Safety of Corps Members During Elections. by Akande Zainab Taiwo

Safety of Corp Members During the 2019 General Elections

By; Akande Zainab Taiwo

All over the world, Election period is known to be a really important time, associated with violence and political assassinations.

This is because of several activities going on during this time. Activities like campaign tours to different states and regions of the country, political rallies, radio and television advertisements, billboard advertisements, as well as newspaper publications just to mention a few.

Electioneering activities without mincing words gulp a whole lot of funds. For this reason there may be election financiers as the case may be.

Whilst all these are going on, it is important to state that security is an important aspect of all these activities, this is because, if adequate security measures are not put in place, things may be marred to a very large extent.

Security matters are essential to elections all over the country and the onus lies on the entire citizenry of the country.

Members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, are usually engaged as ad hoc staff for electoral duties.

The NYSC has signed a memorandum of understanding, MOU, with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, guaranteeing their safety among other things.

Corp members are always charged to ensure credibility during elections therefore, the NYSC is highly committed towards ensuring free and fair elections in the country.

The NYSC in collaboration with INEC and security agencies are to ensure that Corp members on such civic duties are not exposed to harm because they need to be safe to serve their nation well.

It is only when Corp members feel safe that they can discharge their responsibilities as non-partisan ad hoc staff of INEC efficiently.

The safety of Corp members starts by respecting the traditions of their host communities and being at peace with the people for which they have been called to serve.

Corp members must always be security conscious and mindful of the happenings in their environments.

During the elections, they must refrain from being partisan. As INEC ad hoc staff, they must always be neutral and shun material or financial enticements from politicians for their own good and safety.

Corp members should be cooperative to ensure efficiency of interventions.

Corp members are however enjoined not to engage in any form of impartiality as they are not covered by immunity, anyone caught violating the Electoral Act will definitely face the full wrath of the law.