Over 200,000 electoral officers which represent seventy five percent of ad-hoc staff for the 2023 general elections that will commence on Saturday are members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).
Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed made the disclosure on Tuesday on the preparedness of the scheme for the 2023 general elections held at the Yakubu Gowon House, headquarters of the scheme in Abuja.
The DG also commissioned the NYSC Distress Call Center and telephone number ‘6972’ to enhance security of corps members on election duty.
He said those to be engaged for the polls have been sensitised by NYSC and trained by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ahmed explained that collaboration between NYSC and INEC began in 2011 and those deployed in the past have received accolades both within and outside Nigeria, stressing that scheme is ready to do it again.
He said NYSC has mandated the ad-hoc staff to act within the law. “Since I took over, I have met the Inspector General of Police, the DSS, NSCDC, INEC to ensure that all hands is on deck for the exercise”.
“INEC has assured the NYSC of safety of the ad-hoc staff, police has also assured me that Security will be provided for the corps members” Ahmed said.
According to the DG, welfare and security of corps members is priority of his administration, saying INEC has assured him of security and welfare of the ad-hoc staff.
He however warned that no ad-hoc staff should collect any gift or gratification from politicians.
Ahmed emphasised that the NYSC Distress Call Center was established in case of difficulties and would be monitored 24 hours.
