The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, has dismissed calls for a review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between INEC, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Agboke spoke on Wednesday in Osogbo during a courtesy visit by the Osun State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, and his team. He described demands to discontinue the partnership as “nonsensical” and unpatriotic, insisting that the collaboration remains critical to election management.
“It is a nonsensical talk for any Nigerian to say INEC should discontinue with the MoU between NYSC and ASUU,” he said, adding that the synergy between INEC and NYSC must be sustained.
The REC assured that adequate measures are always put in place to guarantee the safety of corps members deployed for election duties. He also stressed the need to strengthen training for corps members, suggesting that existing modules be reviewed and improved.
Agboke further cautioned against alleged rivalry between INEC Electoral Officers and NYSC Local Government Inspectors, urging both institutions to work together to ensure smooth electoral operations. He disclosed that INEC plans to provide standby vehicles to convey corps members to registration areas, describing the initiative as timely and cost-effective.
Earlier, Kubiangha said the partnership between NYSC and INEC has played a significant role in the conduct of elections nationwide. He noted that the MoU clearly defines areas of cooperation and timelines, emphasizing the importance of adherence to its provisions.
“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 said.
The NYSC coordinator also proposed that INEC’s training materials be made available electronically ahead of physical sessions to enhance preparedness. He reaffirmed the scheme’s commitment to professionalism, neutrality, and continued collaboration with INEC in Osun State.
