Segun Atanda/
The National Association of Polytechnic Students has urged the National Assembly to override President Muhammadu Buhari’s rejection of the Peace Corps Establishmemt Bill
NAPS faulted the president’s decision to withhold assent to the bill in a statement sent to NewsmakersNG on Friday.
The statement entitled: ‘Rejecting Peace Corps Bill, a National Frustration’, was jointly signed by its National President and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Eneji Mohammed and Comrade Olasunkanmi Ijaduoye respectively.
The statement also faulted the reasons given by the president for vetoing the bill, which included the additional financial burden it imposes on the government and the fact that it would amount to a duplication of the duties of existing security agencies.
The student body said it had taken a careful look at all the issues surrounding the controversial bill and concluded that the president, by his action, has demonstrated lack of commitment to tackling the menace of rising youth unemployment in the nation.
It therefore appealed to the President Buhari “to reconsider his stance and assent to the bill, so as to save millions of Nigerian youths who had hoped that the Peace Corps of Nigeria would provide them means of livelihood”, adding: “Also, the country cannot spend too much on security.”
The statement further reads: “Youth empowerment is the pathway to the future we want for all. It offers a framework to generate economic growth, achieve social justice, exercise environmental stewardship and strengthen governance.
“We must use this avenue to inform President Buhari that this move had killed millions of hope and hard work. It took some people’s effort nationwide to come together and task themselves on the creation of a security platform for the benefit of the government and the citizens (especially the youths). All that had just been thrown away like thrash.
“We applaud the gallant men who are behind the creation of the Peace Corps. NAPS urge you not to relent in your efforts to make this country great. We are here as partners to any organization that is ready to promote the good image of Nigeria. There is light at the end of the tunnel!
“NAPS condemn the Nigeria Police Force for closing down the Peace Corps headquarters for a very long period of time. We are aware of two court orders asking the Police Force to open the building. We believe that the Police should be the first organization to have respect for the rule of law.
“On a final note, NAPS urgue the National Assembly to rescue the youths. The only way is to recall the bill to parliament and muster the two-thirds required in the House and the Senate to pass the Peace Corps Establishment Bill in spite of Mr. President’s veto.”
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