Violate electoral laws and you’ll go to jail in 2023, according to NYSC.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has warned corps members who want to run in the general elections in 2023 to remain neutral and apolitical.

Mrs Christy Uba, the Acting Director General of NYSC, stated this on Saturday while speaking to corps members at the Mbaukwu/Umuawulu Permanent Orientation camp in Anambra’s Awka South Local Government Area.

Uba witnessed the scheme’s cultural carnival in Anambra for members of 2023 Batch C.

According to the Ag DG, election duty is voluntary for corps members, and those who wish to participate must avoid any form of malpractice that could jeopardize the integrity of the poll or the scheme’s reputation.

She stated that the NYSC would not hesitate to turn over any corps member who had a proven case of electoral malfeasance to the state to face the law.

“If you are to participate in the 2023 election, please keep in mind that it is an ad hoc assignment, and you must be neutral and apolitical.

“Do not participate in a wrong manner, you are not a politician as corps members, you may be in future but for now, you are corps members.

“If you run foul of any electoral law, you are going to prison, NYSC can not cover you up, once they come for you stating that you ran foul of the law, we will surrender you to the state.

“Participation in the election is voluntary, it is optional; you have a choice, but if you have decided to participate, make sure you attend all of the training and sensitization so that you understand your role and boundaries,” she said.

Uba commended the corps members for their good behavior in camp while directing them to return to their primary assignments and contribute to national development through community service.

She thanked the Anambra State Government for constructing a good orientation camp for the scheme and urged other states in the country that had yet to construct a permanent camp to do so.

The Ag DG advised corps members to absorb all of the training they were receiving in camp and to invest in post-camp entrepreneurial skill acquisition to help them master their various trades and create jobs.

Mrs Ekene Iruma, the NYSC Coordinator, stated that the cultural carnival was one of the scheme’s programs aimed at encouraging cultural interaction among youths.

Iruma stated that the corps in camp, including those assigned to Delta State, adapted well to the cultures as evidenced by their performance, and that such understanding would allow them to live in harmony with their host communities.

The Commissioner for Youth, Mr Patrick Aghamba, congratulated the corps members on their assignment to Anambra while assuring them that the state was safe.