The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson, has tasked security agencies and the political class to prioritize the security of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) before, during and after the 2019 general elections.

The Governor also announced a 100 per cent increase in the monthly allowance the state government pays to corps members.

He stressed that those who jeopardize their safety and well-being should be dealt with in line with the laws of the country.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, the Governor spoke during the closing ceremony of the 2018 Batch C, Stream 2 Orientation Course at Kaiama, Headquarters of the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

Governor Dickson described youth corps members as very important citizens carrying out critical national assignments in every part of the country, and therefore emphasised the need for all well-meaning individuals and government to protect them.

While urging the Corps members to be law abiding and take their duties seriously, he assured them that of his administration's commitment to making their service year a pleasantly memorable experience.

According to the Governor, "Nothing should be done by anybody that will jeopardise the safety and wellbeing of corps members, not just the ones serving in Bayelsa, but throughout the country.

The Governor restated his call on the Presidency to expedite the signing into law of the Electoral Amendment Bill as it would go a long way to improving the Card Reader System and other challenges confronting the country's electoral process.

"Let me again, use this opportunity to call for free and fair election. Political players should play according to the rules and not deploy violence because when that happens then the corps members get caught in harm’s way and that shouldn't happen to anyone's child.

"That is why I believe the Card Reader System should be fortified. The legislation before the president should be accepted and signed without further delay, so we can consolidate the card reader regime.

"A lot of violence that corps members and others suffered will be minimised because with the use of a good Card Reader System, there will be no point in carting people and materials away, no point in terrorising communities.

Earlier, the State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Bolade Loto, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his unwavering support to the NYSC Scheme in the areas of prompt payment of corps members allowances, and provision of cash awards to outstanding members.

Mrs Loto, who noted that the Batch C NYSC members were equipped with 12 skill sets during the orientation course, appealed to the state government to provide soft loans to youth corps members with good business ideas and proposals.

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