THE forum of Youths National Presidents of Ethnic Nationalities in Nasarawa State has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to reconsider the Peace Corps Bill 2017 to reduce youth restiveness in the country.

Mr Auna Iliya, the Coordinator of the forum, made the call on Tuesday while fielding questions from newsmen in Lafia. Iliya said that the bill would reduce unemployment and complement the efforts of security agencies, if signed into law.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari withheld his accent to the bill on Feb. 20, citing financial implication and duplication of duties, among reasons.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, read the President’s reservation on the floor of the green chamber.

But according to Iliya, overriding the presidential veto on the bill would also promote peaceful co-existence in the country.

“The forum in its last meeting of 3rd March, 2018, remained highly dissatisfied with the withheld of the accent.

“We wish to join millions of Nigerians in expressing our opinion and stand on the matter.

“The Peace Corps of Nigeria is the organisation that, if approved, will among others address unemployment challenge and reduce the rate of criminality in the country, hence should not be thrown out just like that.

“In the view of the above, the forum solicits for the support of all NASS members of Nasarawa state to mobilise support from the lawmakers to override the president’s veto in the interest of Nigerian youths,” he said.

Iliya also called on Nigerians especially the youths to continue to be law abiding, respect constituted authorities and not to allow themselves to be used by any individuals in fomenting troubles in the society.

Besides, the coordinator called on ethnic nationalities in the state and other Nigerians to continue to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliation for the overall development of the country. (NAN)

– Mar. 6, 2018 @ 18:29 GMT |