Controversy as NYSC refuses to deploy corps members to Benue over lack of mosques

The National Union of Benue State Student (NUBESS) has written an open letter to the Director General (DG) of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) protesting the refusal and non-deployment of corps members to Benue over the lack of mosques at the state orientation camp.

Below is the excerpt from the body of the letter:

“It is of deep sense that we respond to this call, information reaching us has revealed that the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim has stated that Corp members would not be posted to Benue State Orientation camp again should a mosque not be established in Camp.

Sir “We feel it would be more appropriate maybe to build a mutual agreement to expunge the establishment of a mosque in the camp rather than such a drastic decision.

What so ever that spark this action is a violation of ideology which may inspire or ignite communal crisis.
To the limelight of knowledge NYSC was created on 22 May, 1973 as an avenue for the reconciliation, reconstruction, and rebuilding of the nation after the civil war. It was established based on decree No. 24 that stated that the scheme is created “with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity”.
In no form has this establishment stated in its bylaw that mosques or churches be established at various camps or failure to do so they shall be no deployment of corps members in that state. Corps members (participants in the National Youth Service Scheme) are posted to states other than their state of origin where they are expected to mix with people from different ethnic groups, social and family backgrounds, and learn the culture of the indigenes in the location they are posted to. This action is aimed at bringing about unity in the country and help the youths appreciate other ethnic groups. There is an “orientation” period of approximately three weeks spent in a military controlled “camp” away from family and friends. There is also a “passing out ceremony” at the end of the three weeks orientation camp after which corps members are posted to their Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) this in no way has specified establishment of Mosques and Churches.

It is on this note that the NUBESS President and it Members in a closed door session have decided that should such an uncalled for decision be taken they shall stage a protest in Abuja.
To this end, we therefore call on our representatives at the Federal level to please intervene into this worrisome issue and address it duly for the interest of it State and Benue youth.
Long live Senators Presenting Benue State.

Sen. Gabriel Torwua Suswam PhD
Sen. Barr. Emmanuel Yisa Orker Jev
Sen. Comrade Patrick Abba Moro
Long Live Benue youth Community.

Signed:
NUBESS NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Comr Tyonor Smith
Commander in Chief of benue state students