Opinion: The plight, unjust and unfair treatment of NYSC members by Alao Abiodun

Editor's note: Alao Abiodun, a journalist, writes on the travails endured by members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were drafted as ad-hoc staff for the 2019 general election in various states.

Abiodun warns that Nigeria must learn to respect its citizens irrespective of the position or level as he calls for better welfare for the corps members involved in the election exercise.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Legit.ng.

Your own opinion articles are welcome at info@corp.legit.ng— drop an email telling us what you want to write about and why. More details in Legit.ng’s step-by-step guide for guest contributors.

We’re ready to trade your news for our money: submit news and photo reports from your area using our Citizen Journalism App.

Contact us if you have any feedback, suggestions, complaints or compliments. We are also available on Twitter.

The youth in any nation represent the future of that nation because they play a very vital and crucial role in the development of their nation in all ramifications and have always been the major key actor to any of the activities in the country.

Few days ago, Corps members across the nation were stranded in an horrifying and terrific state. The lamentation and complaints by corps members in various RACs across the nation over the very poor and shoddy welfare condition underscores the inhumane treatment, highly egregious preparations and pathetic welfare conditions for corps members in Nigeria especially during elections.

Sadly, various RACs were looking like displaced settlements with no adequate shelter, poor security, no water and other basics. Many took a lot of risk, journeying through the cold night, sleeping in the classrooms, on bare floors, many fought the 'mosquitoes infestation' war.

Corps members displayed 'patriotism' on their own part to carry out the assignment with all sense of diligence while INEC reciprocated by treating corps members as "slaves".

Few weeks ago, the management of INEC in collaboration with NYSC repeatedly assured that the welfare of corps members had been adequately factored into the welfare and security arrangement for administering the 2019 elections but the ridiculous situation and heart-rending images which was widely seen few days ago scornfully depicted the faux pas, unreadiness of the commission and the unfair treatment melted out to corps members.

Just like the case of corps members, a lot has been said about the appalling state of welfarism of Nigerian workers in general. Rather than improve or get better, the situation seems to be getting worse.

The dignity for which corps members are known for in various communities has been eroded and the Nigerian authorities seems to be uninterested.

READ ALSO: Nigerian Army reacts to Buhari's statement on dealing with ballot box snatchers

Using the employer-employee analogy as an example to illustrate the whole scenario, it should be of note that treating employees fairly in the workplace is not just a moral responsibility, it is highly necessary to ensure maximum company growth.

So therefore, when an employee is treated 'unfairly', it results in decreased employee 'morale'. Low morale results in decreased employee 'productivity'.

While the paid 19,800 monthly allowance of a pittance still remains a conundrum, the invaluable services that corps members provide to the country is such that the government cannot truly afford to pay for it.

Nigerians are left to wonder if the government has any iota of care left for the plight of the corps members scattered across the country serving the nation under the sun and in the rain as instructed and mandated.

There should be dignity in labour and dignity of labour. Corps members shouldn’t have to suffer serving their country.

Sadly, the silence of some candidates and stakeholders on how corps members were treated seems pathetic. It shows that they've only been concerned about their chances of winning the election.

Apart from working in inclement environments, corps members actually deserve a raise in the elections stipends to meet their basic needs and complement their various efforts. As a kind advice, the NYSC should stop allowing corps members to be used as adhoc staff if there is 'zero' or no provision for their welfare and accommodation.

Meanwhile, the Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Corps Welfare and Inspectorate Department in charge of INEC as a matter of urgency should consider a review of the Memorandum of Understanding the scheme signed with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the participation of corps members in the electoral process.

Despite the over N140 billion budget by Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) for the 2019 elections, INEC had 4 years to plan for this election, yet the reality has dawned on them, it is crystal clear that the commission has displayed incompetence on its own part to ensure proper logistics and welfare are put in place.

PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet!

Corps members have shown determination to serve their fatherland, they've have collectively resolved to conduct free, fair and credible polls hence INEC and other concerned agencies must commensurate their efforts with good welfarism, this can help in boosting the morale of corps members in the discharge of their duties.

It's highly imperative to stress that 'Corps members are not slaves' - the concerned and respective agencies must as a matter of urgency before the 2019 rescheduled General and the state elections respectively re-modify a reasonable welfare package to restore confidence and erase the grimaces on the faces of corps members.

We need to learn from yesterday and live with hope for a better tomorrow - the current situation shows that INEC has tactically wasted another opportunity to showcase its readiness for a system which guarantees hitch-free elections in Nigeria especially with respect to inadequate preparation, delay in deployment of equipment, poor staff welfare and poor mobilisation of logistics.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: We have updated to serve you better!

Cartoon Comedy: When politicians die, they go to hell - on Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng