The NYSC's Abuja Headquarter Office management has refuted claims that the Oyo State Secretariat was collaborating with Mr Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, to influence the outcome of the state's upcoming governorship election in favour of Governor Seyi Makinde.
The NYSC scheme issued a statement under the title "Re-Sunday Dare Mobilises Oyo NYSC Members To Work For Makinde" warning that the claim is incorrect and poses a major risk to corps members' safety and security.
According to a statement released to Prime 9ja Online by the NYSC’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa: “The attention of NYSC Management has been drawn to the allegation by a political group making the rounds in the media to the effect that Mr Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, in collaboration with NYSC Management, Oyo State is mobilising Corps Members to influence the outcome of the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State.”
“Management wishes to state emphatically that the allegation which has the propensity of putting Corps Members in harm’s way is extremely dubious, absurd, malicious, with grave security implications.
“At no time did the Honourable Minister address Corps Members and Management of NYSC in Oyo and direct them to favour a particular candidate during the forth-coming elections.
“Politicians are strongly advised not to drag Corps Members into politics as they are completely apolitical and are ready to serve their fatherland selflessly. It is false, concocted, and despicable.
“Corps Members’ involvement in national elections in the past decade has without doubts, conveyed an appreciable measure of credibility to the entire electoral process which has earned the National Youth Service Corps the commendations of international community, governmental and non-governmental bodies as well.”
Concerned, NYSC characterised the claim and report as false and urged lawmakers not to exploit the Scheme for partisan gain.
The programme also assures Nigerians that its members will carry out their duties in the next national elections with the same level of patriotism, neutrality, and discipline that have been defining features of the National Youth Service Corps.
“Desperate Politicians and social media platforms are advised to be kindly guided in their utterances in order not to put the safety of Corps Members, which is the cardinal policy thrust of NYSC Management, at jeopardy,” the statement continued.