The Commandant General (CG) of the National Unity and Peace Corps, Dr. Chinedu Nneji has been called upon, to as a matter of principle, close ranks with the leadership of the Nigerian Peace Corps, for the smooth assent of the Bill.
Peace Corps Bill: Group advises Chinedu Nneji to close ranks with National Commandant
The youth based pressure group, National Youth Democratic Congress (NYDC) made this call yesterday, while addressing Newsmen in Abuja.
According to the group, it was only when Dr. Nneji stopped the "eelworm acrimony" and closed ranks with the leadership of the NPC that his people, existing members of the National Unity and Peace Corps could have the assurance of harmonious working relationship with their counterparts, the Nigerian Peace Corps Officers.
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The National Secretary of the Congress, Wisdom Obekpa and the North Central Zonal Coordinator, Comrade James Peter, who spoke on behalf of the group, described as "unfortunate", the comments credited to Dr. Nneji in the media at the weekend, wherein, he was referring to himself as the National Commandant of Nigerian Peace Corps, among others.
"We have been following the trends at the National Assembly and we were together with the National Youth Council of Nigeria, when it submitted Memorandum in support of the establishment of Nigerian Peace Corps (NPC) at the House of Representatives.
"It was, however, strange to us, when we heard that a similar Bill (National Unity and Peace Corps Bill, S.B. 183) was sponsored at the Senate. The Senate in its wisdom, recommended for the establishment of only Nigerian Peace Corps, since the objectives of both formations appeared to be same.
"We were also aware that, out of 234 memoranda recieved by the Senate, only 14 submissions were made in support of National Unity and Peace Corps; whereas, 219 memoranda were recieved in support of the Nigerian Peace Corps, including that of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
"The report of the Consolidated Bill adopted by the National Assembly last week, which was the final document on the Peace Corps Bill, also stated clearly that it was only Nigerian Peace Corps that would be established.
"Instead of Dr. Nneji to have a synergy with Dr. Dickson Akoh, the National Commandant of the Nigerian Peace Corps, to work modalities on how his men (NAUPC) would be absorbed into the system, he is busy causing confusion on the media, thereby, misleading the general public.
"We, therefore, want to advise Dr. Nneji, to toll the path of gentleman and close ranks with the National Commandant of Nigerian Peace Corps, Dr. Dickson Akoh, for the betterment of Nigerian youths.
"It is also pertinent to state categorically that, the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill is loaded with much hope for Nigerian youths, and anyone who is playing local politics with the Bill or standing on the way of the Bill, is an enemy of the youths, and shall be addressed as such", the group said.
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While appreciating the leadership of the National Assembly for the smooth passage of the Bill; the Congress also used the forum to urge President Muhammadu Buhari, to kindly assent to the Bill, for the overall interest of the nation, especially, the Nigerian youths.