Corps members dismissal followed due process – NYSC

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has justified the dismissal of two corps members from the orientation camp in Ebonyi State.

The Ebonyi State Coordinator of the NYSC, Ann Ibe, stated the corps members were not sacked because of their faith or hate, adding that the scheme relied on various sections of its bye-laws to carry out its decision.

According to Ibe, the NYSC decision to de-kit the two corps members followed due process.

The two corps members were sacked for allegedly refusing to wear the provided trousers and shorts, during the three-week orientation course. They reportedly violated the dress code of the corps by wearing skirt instead of the trousers stipulated and issued by the NYSC.

It was said that efforts to make them change their minds and wear the approved kits proved abortive, a development that forced the NYSC to de-kit and decamp them.

While addressing newsmen on Monday, in Abakaliki, Ibe said the corps members were queried for flouting Schedule 1 Article 3 (b) (ix) of the NYSC Bye-Laws 1993.

READ ALSO: NAFDAC calls for stiffer punishment for drug traffickers

The article, she added, dealt with code of conduct of corps members especially as it relates to the mode of dressing.

Schedule 1, Article 3 of the bye-laws states, “Every member shall observe the following code of conduct during the period for which the code relates.”

It further states in (b) (ix), “That during the orientation course, every member shall wear the various uniforms provided for activities.”

She added that the two corps members were decamped in line with the recommendations of the NYSC Camp Court, saying the court was the Corps Disciplinary Committee which handled cases that arose in the camp.

“The court considered their cases and gave them the opportunity to defend themselves for not being properly kitted in line with service regulations which includes undertaking to keep to the rules and regulations of the scheme

“They were properly defended by a corps lawyer and at the end, the court found them guilty and recommended they be decamped and de-kitted.

“Though they were de-kitted and decamped in line with the bye-laws of the NYSC, the matter has been forwarded to the headquarters of the scheme for final determination and necessary action.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now