By Patrick Titus, Uyo
The Senate has ordered a holistic investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of an NYSC Corps member, Etimbuk Daniel, who died at the NYSC Orientation camp in Enugu State, as well as the state of health infrastructure in NYSC camps across the country.
The probe will be carried out by the Senate Committees on Police Affairs, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Youth Development and Health, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance on the urgent need for a review of medical services in NYSC camps nationwide, sponsored by Sen. Aniekan Bassey, member representing Uyo Senatorial District in the Senate
Lawmakers noted with concern the sudden and untimely passing of the corps member, describing him as a vibrant, patriotic young Nigerian and a shining light of his community who had only set out to serve the country.
Lawmakers expressed concern over reports indicating that Daniel died from complications arising from a minor headache after allegedly experiencing a delay in obtaining timely and adequate medical attention at the camp clinic.
The Upper Chamber further expressed worry that the incident is not isolated, but highlights a recurring pattern of systemic negligence, poor medical infrastructure, and absence of qualified emergency personnel and rapid referral protocols across NYSC camps, underlining that the government owes a duty of care to young graduates mobilized away from their homes to serve the nation.
Daniel was a Computer Science graduate of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) and fonner Students Union Government (SUG) Resident President in the institution
The Senate thereafter observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Corps member.
