Osogbo, Nigeria — The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, has firmly dismissed calls for a review or discontinuation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between INEC, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Speaking on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the Osun State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, Dr. Agboke described such calls as “nonsensical and unpatriotic,” insisting that the existing collaboration remains vital to the successful conduct of elections.
“It is nonsensical for any Nigerian to suggest that INEC should discontinue its MoU with NYSC and ASUU,” Agboke said. “The synergy between INEC and NYSC must be maintained and sustained.”
He maintained that concerns raised about the experiences of corps members during election duties should not be used as grounds to undermine the partnership. According to him, adequate measures are always put in place to ensure the safety of corps members deployed for national assignments.
The REC emphasized the need to strengthen training for corps members involved in electoral duties, suggesting that the process be reviewed and improved where necessary.
“The training should be rejigged. Let us take another look at it,” he stated.
Agboke also addressed reports of rivalry between INEC Electoral Officers and NYSC Local Government Inspectors, warning that such friction must not be allowed to affect electoral operations.
“We must realise the need for us to come together and achieve the same result,” he said.
To enhance logistics, Agboke revealed plans to provide standby vehicles to transport corps members to registration areas, describing the initiative as timely and cost-effective.
Earlier, NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, reaffirmed the importance of the long-standing partnership between the NYSC and INEC, noting that it has played a critical role in the conduct of elections nationwide.
He explained that the MoU between both institutions is time-bound and clearly outlines areas of cooperation, stressing that adherence to its provisions is essential for efficiency in electoral assignments.
“Our corps members are part and parcel of the electoral process. Their security is very paramount when it comes to national assignments,” Kubiangha said.
He also proposed that INEC’s training modules for corps members be made available electronically ahead of physical training sessions to enhance preparedness and deepen understanding of electoral procedures.
Kubiangha assured that the NYSC in Osun State remains committed to professionalism, neutrality, and full support for INEC in all electoral assignments.
The visit, both officials agreed, signals renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration ahead of future electoral exercises in the state.
Comments