By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has restated its commitment to sustain its collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC towards reducing electoral violence and vote buying.

NUJ Chairman, Osun State Council, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu gave the assurance while playing host to the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr.Mutiu Agboke, who led other management staff of the electoral umpire to the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo.

The INEC boss who described the visit as a routine and ways of consolidating on the existing relationship between INEC and NUJ in Osun State disclosed that NUJ remained a key stakeholder in educating the public on the success of any election.

Agboke, who called for robust relationship between the two agencies said INEC will sustain its relationship with major stakeholders even though the state is two years away from another election.

He appealed to the NUJ to continue to educate and reorientate the electorates on the dangerous effect of engaging in electoral violence and vote buying in order to have a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.

Responding, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, who recalled roles played by journalists in entrenching the present democracy said everything would continue to be done to nurture it.

He commended INEC on the introduction of technology into the electoral process with the advent of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS and Electronic Transmission of Election Results iREV, which has changed people’s perception about whether their vote counts or not, adding that INEC has gained more confidence of the electorates with it.

While advocating for the prosecution of electoral offenders to serve as a deterrent to others, he promised the cooperation of NUJ in the area of advocacy and campaign against violence and vote buying.

The resident commissioner was accompanied on the visit by top management staff of INEC in Osun State.