Corps Liaison Officer Accused of Abuse of Power
In a disturbing development, a Corps Liaison Officer (CLO) in Enugu East Local Government Area, Enugu State, has been accused of assaulting two female members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) during a meeting held last Saturday. Reports indicate that the CLO allegedly intimidated the victims and later boasted of being “untouchable” due to his purported connections with NYSC officials.
Calls for Accountability
Agwu-Nnachi, a prominent advocate for women’s rights, issued a statement condemning the alleged assault, describing it as a grave abuse of power and a violation of the victims’ dignity and rights. “We are deeply disturbed by reports of an alleged assault by a CLO in Enugu State. The claims of abuse of power and a subsequent cover-up are serious violations of the victims’ rights and dignity, and require urgent redress,” the statement read.
The statement also raised concerns about alleged interference in the case, with law enforcement reportedly facing pressure to abandon investigations. This has left the victims vulnerable to further threats and retaliation, exacerbating the situation.
Advocacy for Justice and Systemic Reform
The Association for Women in Public Service (AWiPS) has called for a transparent investigation into the incident, urging the NYSC to take decisive steps to ensure justice. In their statement, AWiPS emphasized the need for swift action, both to address the immediate case and to tackle broader systemic issues within the NYSC program.
“This incident is not an isolated case but a wake-up call for systemic change within the NYSC program,” said Agwu-Nnachi. The organization highlighted that such incidents undermine the core mission of the NYSC, which is to promote unity, mutual understanding, and public service among Nigerian youth.
Commitment to Monitoring the Case
AWiPS reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the safety and dignity of women and girls in public service. The organization pledged to closely monitor the case to ensure that justice is served and that necessary measures are taken to prevent future occurrences.
“The safety and dignity of all NYSC members, especially women, must be prioritized,” Agwu-Nnachi added. “This requires not just addressing individual cases of abuse but also implementing systemic reforms to create a safer and more equitable environment for all corps members.”
Broader Implications for NYSC
This incident has raised serious questions about the oversight and accountability mechanisms within the NYSC program. Stakeholders have called for a review of the system to ensure that corps members are protected from abuse and that perpetrators of misconduct are held accountable.
As investigations continue, the NYSC faces mounting pressure to act decisively, both to restore public confidence in the program and to reaffirm its commitment to the well-being of all participants. Observers and advocacy groups alike will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds and what measures will be put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
