President Goodluck Jonathan Monday warned that he would no longer tolerate destabilisation plots against the country by those who fan the embers of discord that threaten the corporate existence of the country.
The President, who said his administration would use all lawful means to check them, however, appealed to Nigerians, especially youths, to shun every act of violence as they would only serve as distraction that would worsen current security challenges which negatively impact on the development of the country.
Jonathan spoke at the 2011 President's National Youths Service Corps Honours award ceremony at the banquet hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he offered automatic employment.
He also gave scholarships to 52 former corps members for their meritorious service in their places of primary assignment.
“It is in this light, and in relation to recent happenings in parts of the country, that I warn that any and all acts which fan the embers of discord and threaten the corporate existence of our nation will be vigorously checked by all lawful means.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I would like to seize this opportunity to appeal to all Nigerians, especially our dear youths, to shun any tendencies that only serve to distract us from the onerous task of facing up squarely to the security and development challenges which confront us at this time.
“From inception, our administration has demonstrated absolute commitment to the promotion of democratic ideals and unwavering respect for the rule of law. By the same token, we expect that all stakeholder groups would operate within the ambit of the law at all times. Rights and privileges come with concomitant responsibilities,” he said.
He assured Nigerians of his commitment to ensuring their welfare was protected at all times and appealed to them not to be swayed by politicians who he said were troubling the country for their selfish gains, pointing out that whereas the uniform of corps members used to elicit unity, people now use it to commit crime while those on national assignment formed targets of attacks which he said was condemnable.
“Who are those creating these problems? They are not ordinary men and women in our villages. They are politicians. It is politicians who are exploiting the situation negatively. We are even making our youths to hit themselves in the name of politics. We will all change,” he said.
He assured Nigerians of his commitment to ensuring their welfare was protected at all times and appealed to them not to be swayed by politicians who he said were troubling the country for their selfish gains, pointing out that whereas the uniform of corps members used to elicit unity, people now use it to commit crime while those on national assignment formed targets of attacks which he said was condemnable.
“Who are those creating these problems? They are not ordinary men and women in our villages. They are politicians. It is politicians who are exploiting the situation negatively. We are even making our youths to hit themselves in the name of politics. We will all change,” he said.
Jonathan while announcing the award to corps members drawn from 2009 Batch 'C'/2010 Batches 'A' and 'B' service years were to use the scholarships for Masters and Doctorate degrees in any school in the world, adding that he decided to add scholarship to employment as some of the recipients may want to work while processing their admissions.
While charging them to work hard and utilise the two-year scholarships within its pendency period, he charged the Minister of Youths Development, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi, Education, Raqqayattu Rufa'i and Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke to coordinate the exercise as well as ensure they got their employment letters from the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation within two months.
The scholarship for those in sciences and petroleum-related fields the President continued, including Petroleum Law or Petroleum Economic would be funded by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund while the Education Tax Fund would fund the rest.
In an apparent reference to the removal of fuel subsidy, he said he was persuaded to implement the policy because he did not want to leave huge debts for our children and subsidise rich men with 10 to 15 cars while the poor people who were supposed to be the beneficiaries of the subsidy.
Earlier in his address, the initiator of the Scheme and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon said the scheme should not be scrapped as its relevance in ensuring and preserving the unity of Nigeria was still very relevant in the scheme of things.
He referred to the role played by corps members during the April 2011 elections where they were used as ad hoc staff though some lost their lives in the process for which he commiserated with their families over the post election violence.
The Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Nnamdi Okore-Affia, explained that the 52 awardees were selected from 235 nominees from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after. Thorough screening by a committee, added that six out of the lot were adjudged the overall best.
They are Chinaeke Ejike (Enugu), Dr. Ofodile Emeka (Abia), Dr. Onuigbo Ernest (Abia), Nwanosike Chinasa (Abia), Ezeoba Adaobi (Anambra) and Babajide Akinrinde (Oyo).
Culled from Thisdaylive
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