Brig-Gen. Sule Kazaure, the Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to commence the review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both organisations.
Kazaure made the call on Thursday in Abuja when INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, paid him a courtesy visit at the NYSC Headquarters.
The D-G stressed the need for the commission to consider a review of the MoU especially in the area of provision of adequate security to corps members during and after elections.
He said that a review of allowances, insurance cover and transportation for corps members during election duty should also be considered by the commission.
Earlier, Prof. Mahmood said that INEC had paid a visit to the NYSC to present the letter of employment it promised to the ex-corps member who lost his eye sight during the 2011 general elections.
He said that the commission had fulfilled its promise to offer automatic employment to the ex-corps member, Mr Daniel Oluwatobi, in any state within the federation.
Mahmood said that Oluwatobi had been offered employment by the commission and posted to INEC office in Ogun state.
He gave the assurance that the commission would review the MoU between both organisations soon.
“In the 2011 general elections, INEC formalised its relationship with the NYSC by signing a MoU. The last time this MoU was reviewed was in 2013.
“I know that there is a need to review our terms of engagement in the area of remuneration and I assure you that at the earliest opportunity we will do so.
“We cannot conduct successful elections without the help of the NYSC because it is from the NYSC that we draw our most dedicated, committed and non partisan election duty officers.
“I know that the allowance given to corps members on election duty is not enough with the work that they do; but this is a national assignment and we are glad you have taken it as a patriotic service,” Mahmood said.
He said that the greatest challenge both organisations faced during the conduct of election was security.
The chairman also called on the NYSC to assist the commission in the July 30, supplementary elections in Rivers, Kogi, Kano and Imo states.
He also requested the assistance of the NYSC in the September 10, governorship elections and any by-election that might arise.
In an interview with newsmen, Mr Daniel Oluwatobi, said he was happy and thankful that he was not forgotten after he lost his sight in the course of serving the country.
He thanked the NYSC and INEC for coming to his rescue and providing him with a source of livelihood.
