The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Enugu State reportedly sent two female corps members home for refusing to wear shorts and trousers. The Batch C Corps members identified as Okafor Love Obianuju and Odji Oritsetsolayewho are currently undergoing their 3 weeks orientation camp exercise reportedly said wearing of trousers were against their faith.
The NYSC spokesperson in Enugu, Ngozi Ukwuoma, said the Corps members were spotted by the Camp Director,Mrs. Isu Josephine wearing their official white T-shirt upon white skirt instead of white shorts.
She said, “When they were accosted and interrogated, they disclosed that they could not wear the white shorts and the trousers given to them by the NYSC because it was against their faith.”
“Efforts were made by the office of the CD to make them see reason why they must obey the rules and regulations guiding the orientation and NYSC, but all efforts to do that proved futile.- She said
“The matter was officially reported and the proceedings for de-kitting were initiated.
“The corps members were queried and subsequently made to face the camp court, where they were found guilty, having stated categorically that they were ready to bear the consequences of their actions.
“The court recommendations were submitted to the camp management and the camp director was directed to de-kit them.
“They were de-kitted in the presence of security agents, who also escorted them to the gate as they left the camp.”
Following the dismissal, The Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) has allegedly asked the dismissed Corps members to go to court to demand their rights to religious freedom. The Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the CAN President, Rev. Adebayo Oladeji, who was reportedly present in one of the interviews with the corpse member reportedly said the corps members should not be victimized for holding onto their faith.
According to the clergy; “We are appealing to the leadership of the NYSC to revisit the matter.
“In this country, religious right is an inalienable right that must be respected. They must allow the people to practise their religion.
“If our government agencies have no regard for the way people worship God, then it means they are satanic. Any system that does not respect religion is satanic.”
“The fundamental rights of the people as regards religion must be respected.
“And that is why, a few months ago, when some Muslim women were protesting over the wearing of hijab at the Law School, we refused to speak against it because it is their right and thank God, they won it.
“We are appealing to the leadership of the NYSC to revisit the matter.