Be security conscious, govs tell corps members

CORPS members have been urged to be security conscious throughout their service year.

The 2012 Batch ‘B’ corps members were sworn in across the country on Wednesday with assurances of security by governors.

The take-off of the new service year had been enmeshed in controversies with hundreds of corps members from the South protesting against their deployment in crisis-prone states in the North, but the cancellation of such postings by the Federal Government and security guarantees saved the situation.

Although they were assured of their protection at the swearing-in of the corps members, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and his Ekiti counterpart, Kayode Fayemi, advised them to always be on the alert.

Amaechi said, “I implore you to be responsible and disciplined citizens of this great country. You must shun cultism, religious intolerance, political violence and any form of anti-social behaviour.

“Above all, I advise you to be security conscious at all times while the state government plays her own part in ensuring your security.”

Fayemi challenged the corps members to assist the government in tackling the security challenges threatening to disintegrate the country.

The governor, who was represented by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin, said at the Orientation Camp that corps members should dedicate themselves to service.

He said, “You all are aware of the security challenge which is gradually turning our nation into a terrorist nation before the international communities. I charge you to see yourself as an instrument to check this menace.

“Be security conscious at all times. Report any strange movement or package to the law enforcement agents. Security should be our collective responsibility. As you play your part, government too will not leave any stone unturned in ensuring adequate provision for security of lives and property of all citizenry.”

On his part, Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime called for adequate security for corps members in the country.

He appealed to the corps members to strive towards achieving the NYSC objective of national integration despite the security challenges currently facing the country.

Abia State Governor Theodore Orji promised to provide additional facilities at the NYSC permanent orientation camp at Ummunna in Bende Local Government Area of the state.

Orji commended the aurhorities of the scheme for “repacking the scheme toward meeting the current needs of the nation,” especially in entrepreneurial development and new posting policy.

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola said the scheme created in 1973 remained a tool for national unity despite current challenges being faced by the corps.

Aregbesola stated this in an address entitled, ‘Stay on, get on’, which he delivered during the inauguration of NYSC Batch B 2012 members, at NYSC orientation camp, Ede, on Wednesday.