The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke has insisted that calls for reviewing the Memorandum of Understanding between INEC, National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, would not be entertained by the Commission.
Dr Agboke made this call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC led by its State Coordinator, Ekeng Ita Kubiangha.
Dr Agboke maintained that such calls were nonsensical, unpatriotic because people making such demands aims to bastardise the job at hand.
He said, “It is a nonsensical talk for any Nigerian to say INEC should discontinue with the MOU between NYSC and ASUU
“The synergy between INEC and NYSC should be maintained and sustained.
“Such calls is not only un-Nigerian by also unpatriotic. People will bastardise the job for you with talks of what corps members experience on election day.”
The Osun INEC boss said that during the election days, corps members were assured of their safety.
He also noted that there is a responsibility between INEC and NYSC to ensure that the corps members are properly trained.
“The training should be rejigged. Let us take another look at it.”
Agboke also condemned the alleged rivalry between the INEC Electoral Officers and NYSC Local Government Inspectors adding that the job must not suffer.
“We must realise the need for us to come together and achieve the same result.”
Agboke said the NYSC visit has assured him that the duty ahead will be a success.
The Osun INEC REC hinted on the need for the system to succeed based on reality of achieving success.
“We are going to ensure the provision of a standby vehicle to ferry corps members to the registration areas.”
“The initiative is timely and cost effective and the engagement is an indication that there is more for us to work together for success,” he stated.
Earlier, the Osun State NYSC Coordinator, Ekeng Ita Kubiangha noted that the partnership between NYSC and INEC had continued to play a critical role in the conduct of elections across the country.
He explained that the Memorandum of Understanding between NYSC and INEC was time-bound and clearly outlined areas of cooperation, stressing that both bodies must work closely within stipulated timelines to achieve set objectives.
According to him, “adherence to the agreement would ensure efficiency in electoral assignments involving corps members.”
Kubiangha, reaffirmed the commitment of the scheme to strengthening its collaboration with the INEC in the state.
The coordinator said the role played by NYSC members in supporting INEC operations upheld the commission’s ethical standards and contributed to making elections seamless.
“Our corps members are part and parcel of the process. The security of our corps members is very paramount when it comes to national assignment,” he stated.
Kubiangha also suggested that INEC’s training modules for corps members deployed for election duties should be made available electronically before the commencement of physical training.
He said this would enhance preparedness and improve understanding of electoral procedures.
He assured that the NYSC in Osun State would give its full support without bias to ensure the success of any assignment entrusted to corps members.
He added that the scheme remained committed to professionalism and neutrality in the discharge of national responsibilities.
