THE National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commit to the welfare and security of corps members that will be working as ad-hoc staff during the general elections.

This is following several reports of unpleasant experiences endured by corps members across the country in the run-up to the postponed elections.

Adenike Adeyemi, the NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, gave the charge in a press statement on Tuesday in which he noted with regret that many corps members were exposed to unfavourable conditions contrary to the agreement between the NYSC and INEC.

“The attention of NYSC management has been drawn to uninspiring pictures and tales of woes experienced by many corps members assigned to INEC duties in several states across the country on the eve of the postponed general elections,” Adeyemi stated.

“These have been confirmed as authentic situation reports and have since been brought to the attention of the INEC management.”

According to Adeyemi, INEC blamed the “unpleasant occurrences” on logistic challenges, adding that “NYSC is currently discussing with INEC management towards ensuring that these and all other sundry issues bordering on the welfare and security of corps members are quickly addressed and redressed before the rescheduled elections”.

He said that INEC has commenced payment of training, feeding, and election duty allowances to all the corps members working as ad-hoc staff. The electoral commission has also assured that adequate measures have been put in place to cater for transportation, accommodation and security of corps members.

“We therefore expect improved safety and welfare provisions by INEC in the rescheduled elections,” Adeyemi said.