The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Friday in Abuja appealed to the media to always verify information or allegations about the scheme from its officers before making such public.
Mr Bello Ballama, NYSC FCT Coordinator, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen while reacting to some media reports alleging that NYSC officials were extorting money from corps members.
He said that the scheme carried out its investigations and found the allegation to be false.
The coordinator said that the scheme carried out a search for the corps members, NYSC officials and the Community Development Service (CDS) group alleged to be involved in the extortion but could not find any.
He said that NYSC officials were not in the business of extorting from corps members for financial gains or any other reason.
According to Ballama, we do not extort, we do not exchange for money any services rendered through the scheme.
He said that officers of the scheme were available to answer any questions, clear disparities or allegations by corps members, the public or the media.
“The report was on extortion of corps members by NYSC officials at the point of CDS.
“I condemn that position in totality; we do not do that. We do not extort or exchange any material of the NYSC for financial gain.
“We also received reports that some corps members go to print their posting letters by themselves. That is not correct; the NYSC sorely controls this. These letters are even sealed.
“I want to humbly request the public, corps members and the media to get the identity of individuals who make allegations about the scheme and inform us.
“If you hear about any case of extortion either in the name of CDS or other NYSC functions, even from NYSC officials, please get the identity of that person and inform us about it.
“Let the person indicate the place and purpose for which such extortion was made; I urge us all to cooperate.
“Allegations on extortion have become a reoccurring decimal the scheme has had to grapple with in recent times and this is damaging the reputation of the NYSC.
“Any media that hears of any allegation on the NYSC should ensure they get reaction from NYSC before going to the public with such information.
“We do not hide information or cover misbehaviour. There are various staff of the scheme ready to answer any questions the public may have; the state coordinators, Assistant Directors and schedule officers,” Ballama said
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