The Nigerian House of Representatives is to investigate the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, to unravel the truth regarding contents printed on the Corps’ Security Tips Pamphlets to Corps members.
A resolution to the effect following the adoption of a motion under matters of urgent public importance sponsored by the minority leader, Mr. Ndudi Elumelu.
Mr. Elumelu said: “in the last few days, reports have surfaced with picture evidence of an ‘embarrassing’ provision under section 65(e) of the NYSC security tips pamphlet, advising Corps Members to tell their families to make ransoms available in case they are kidnapped on the road.”
The Minority Leader observed that the alleged inclusion of the said section was a source of concern to families and friends of Corps members as to why Nigerian youths should be allowed to participate in the compulsory exercise.
“The provision shows a lack of concern for the safety of Corps members as against the provisions of Section 19 of the Public Officers Protection Act, which places the welfare and security of Corp members on the Federal Government,” Mr. Elumelu argued
NYSC denies insertion
The Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila reminded Mr. Elumelu that the NYSC has already denied the insertion, though the mover of the motion read the lines in the pamphlet.
Mr. Gbajabiamila said his suspicion was that there could be another version of the booklet in circulation besides the one printed by the NYSC, which the Corps has already denied contained any of such insertions.
The Speaker however, asked the House Committee on Youths Development to verify the authenticity of the insertions, saying there will be a problem if it was real.
“During the course of your investigation, verify the authenticity. If it is authentic, then, there is a problem, “Gbajabiamila said.
Lateefah Ibrahim
