2023: Don’t tamper with BVAS machines – NYSC warns corps members

Members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Bauchi State, deployed as electoral officials for this year’s general elections have been urged not to tamper with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines even if they developed any technical problem.

Bauchi State NYSC coordinator, Mrs Rifkatu Yakubu, gave the instruction in Bauchi on Wednesday during the sensitisation programme organised for the corps members participating in the general elections.

According to her, the call became imperative in order not to give electorates any impression that the corps members were trying to manipulate the electoral process, which might lead to serious problems.

She said rather than make any adjustments when the machine developed any technical glitch, they should hand the BVAS machine to the technical officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, present at the polling units.

Yakubu further admonished the participating corps members not to collect food from strangers during the election exercise.

“I will advise all those involved in the elections to ensure that they have what to eat. What I am saying in essence is that people may use anything to draw you. You may be sleeping and other things would be taking place without your knowledge. So, please, ensure that you equip yourselves properly,” she advised the corps members.

The NYSC state coordinator then urged corps members to be highly security conscious before, during and after the elections, adding that they should go home and remain indoors after the submission of the election materials in their possession.

Also speaking at the programme, an assistant director from NYSC headquarters in Abuja, Mr Ateli Samson, said efforts were being made daily to ensure that corps members are safe before, during and after the elections.

He, however, assured them that INEC would make effective provisions for their feeding and admonished them not to violate any electoral law.