Prof. Sam Egwu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Plateau, has advised leaders of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) Staff Multi-Purpose Co-operative Societies, to be transparent and accountable to their members.

The REC gave the advice at the ongoing President's Annual General Meeting of the cooperative on Wednesday in Jos.

He noted that transparency and accountability remain critical to governance at all levels.

He urged the officials to shun corruption, operate open-door policy and ensure an all-inclusive governance.

"Take good governance very seriously while running the affairs of the cooperative societies; transparency and accountability must be your guiding principles.

"We have instances were official of cooperatives are tampering with the common wealth of their members. 

"We can't encourage that here. INEC is noble and upright organisation and we must demonstrate that at every level of our engagements.

"So, proper governance of these cooperative societies is key and we must ensure that at all times,"he said.

Prof. Rhoda Gumus, the National Commisioner and Chairperson, Health and Welfare Committee of INEC, also tasked officials of the cooperative societies on integrity, diligence and professionalism.

Represented by Mr Alphonsus Alozie, the Director of Administration of the commission, Gumus particularly advised the officials to be circumspect and wise in their choice of investments.

"Proper management of members’ contributions is a sacred responsibility that demands integrity, diligence, accountability, and professionalism. 

 "Adlai Stevenson, observed 'bad administration, to be sure, can destroy good policy; but good administration can never save a bad policy.” 

"This underscores the need for sound policies, effective administration, and transparent financial management in our cooperative societies,"she said.

Gumus decried with deep concern reports of alleged mismanagement of members’ funds in some state offices, ranging from poor investment decisions to outright fraud.

 She, however, said that some of the cases were currently under investigation, adding that others were referred to the relevant security agencies.

 Earlier, Mr Badi Musa, President of the cooperative society in Plateau, said that the AGM would provide a platform for learning and sharing fresh ideas among the leaders.

"It an opportunity to evaluate our financial portfolios, exchange innovative wealth creation ideas and harmonise our policies to better serve our members,"he said.

He explained that the gathering would enable stronger and more resilient financial safety net for their members.

The AGM had the theme "Building Sustainable Cooperative Business for Generational Wealth: the Courage to Delay Gratification Today for Prosperity Tomorrow".