UPDATE; More trouble for Tinubu’s minister as NYSC bans corps members from politics

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says its members are prohibited from engaging in partisan politics.

This is even as controversy continues to trail Hannatu Masawa’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.

Ms Musawa is said to be a serving member of the NYSC.

According to our reporter that the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity said engaging in partisan politics or affiliating with a political party during the service year was strictly forbidden.

According to the source, NYSC aimed to maintain neutrality and non-partisanship during the service year.

“Based on the NYSC Act and its accompanying bye-laws governing the operations and regulations of the scheme, there are no specific provisions that prohibit a serving corps member from being appointed as a minister or commissioner,” the source said.

“However, it is important to note that the appointment of ministers or commissioners is typically a political process that involves considerations such as political affiliations.

“According to the NYSC bye-laws, corps members are prohibited from engaging in partisan politics or joining any political party during the service year.

“The aim of this restriction is to maintain the neutrality and non-partisanship of the NYSC programme.

“Corps members are expected to focus on their primary assignments, which involve community development, education, healthcare, and other areas of national service.”