NYSC Members In Imo Protest False Promises By State Govt.

     
Members of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) serving in Imo state on Monday took to the streets to demonstrate alleged deplorable conditions and insensitive terms of service in the state.

The protesting corps members carried placards with various inscriptions noted that they could manage any situation they meet in any state but were dismayed at the level of insincerity on the part of the state government.

Addressing journalists in Owerri the capital of Imo State, the leader of the Group who gave his name simply as Mr. Abiodun said that corps members were particularly disappointed at Governor Rochas Okorocha who promised N10, 000 to serving corps members and worried by the deliberate measures of the state government to mislead prospective corp members into thinking their welfare would be taken care of in the state

“While filling out the online forms, Imo state corps members are promised the sum of N10,000 each as state allowance but the money has never been paid or at best, paid only on the internet. It was also stated in the posting letters, in item number four, that every corps member is entitled to a free and modest accommodation - at least a room with a bed, mattress, pillow, a table, two chairs, one cushion chair curtain and other essential items; or a minimum of N5000 for monthly rent subsidy and a monthly transport subsidy of N5,000 in lieu, but to the amazement of Imo state corps members, there is neither transport allowance nor rent allowance.”
Abiodun said “The Corpers‘lodges here are more of abandoned buildings where six to seven people have to squeeze themselves into an empty room. We thank God for Church fellowships that introduced ‘family houses’ for members of their denomination. But for this, most of us may have been sleeping in garages by now.”

He however stated that, the Batch A corps members are passing out soon and the Batch B are warming up, stressing that the essence of the protest march was to enlighten prospective corps members to enable them make informed choices and not fall for the same ‘prank’.

He added, “Elections are around the corner and the same corps members whose welfare's are not considered are expected to work in the electoral process. We have house rents to pay, feeding, transport and other personal expenses to take care of; I think it should concern anybody who is keen on recruiting corp members for any purpose this electioneering period.
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