Professor Mahmoud Yakub, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has ensured that the 2023 general election will be chaired by a member of the National Youth League with Disabilities.
Professor Yakub gave this assurance when he led a delegation of the National Commissioner, Director and Technical Team to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) headquarters in Abuja.
He said: “INEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We want to give every Nigerian the opportunity to not only vote, but to participate in the conduct of elections where appropriate, regardless of circumstances such as physical challenges. .
“Osun State enlisted for the first time members with disabilities[as special staff for gubernatorial elections]and lobbied security agencies, political parties and communities to protect these members. We are impressed with what we have done in Osun.We will involve all Corps members as presidents of the (2023) general elections, regardless of their disabilities.”
The INEC Chairman also commended the NYSC management team for their consistent support of the Commission over the years.
He pledged that the commission will continue to function within the framework of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NYSC. At the same time, he assured Host that INEC’s continued focus on the safety of its personnel during election missions.
“We have insurance for all personnel involved in election duties in the event of injury or other emergencies. will extend protection and security to its lodge when it goes to the scene on Election Day. We have had the unfortunate experience of attacking Cooper’s lodge in . INEC boss assured.
In response, NYSC Acting Executive Secretary Mrs. Christy Uba pledged that the NYSC would continue to partner with INEC in carrying out its duties.
In preparation for the 2023 general election, she revealed that NYSC management has instructed national coordinators to encourage members of the Legion to register on the INEC portal for elections.
She also said staff from the Corps’ Department of Welfare and Health Services visited the United States to assure Corps members and staff of NYSC/INEC’s commitment to security during election missions.