• I’ll deliver free, fair, transparent polls, vows Amupitan as he assumes office
From Romanus Ugwu and Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has challenged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and enhance the Commission’s institutional strength.
At the swearing-in ceremony at the Villa, yesterday, Tinubu urged him to discharge his duties with integrity, dedication and patriotism, even as he acknowledged the challenges ahead but affirmed their importance.
He stressed that election credibility must be beyond doubt with every phase, from voter registration and campaigning to voting and result collation, being transparent, peaceful, and credible. Tinubu wished Amupitan success in overseeing his first significant task, the Anambra State governorship election slated for November 8.
Tinubu said: “Your nomination to the important role and the subsequent confirmation by the Senate is a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the Executive and the Legislative arm of government.
“The significant achievement marked the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey and I trust that you will approach your responsibilities with the highest level of integrity, dedication and patriotism.
“Our democracy has come a long way. In 25 years, we have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly our democratic systems through innovations and reforms. We’ve learnt a great deal along the way and have improved significantly from where we were many years ago. We must now remain committed to the principles that underpin democracy in a complex multifaceted society.
“The electoral process is a vital part of a democracy, safeguarding the people’s exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish.
“The integrity of our electoral system must be beyond reproach. It is important that our elections are free, fair and credible. We must continue to improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and preparing for today.
“To maintain public trust in elections, electoral integrity must be protected in all aspects of the process, from registration to campaigning, immediate access, voting and counting, should be transparent, non-violent and very credible.
No electoral system is flawless, but since elections are vital to a nation’s future, it is essential to continually strengthen institutions ensuring they are robust, resilient, and safeguarded against artificial setbacks.
“I therefore charge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this important assignment to preserve the integrity of our elections and electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC.
Meanwhile, Amupitan has pledged to uphold integrity, transparency and discipline in the management of Nigeria’s electoral process.
He made the pledge during his first meeting with directors of the commission. He said the integrity of electoral system was not negotiable.
“As we’ve marked the beginning of a new chapter, I want to assure you of my commitment to holding the highest standard of integrity, transparency and discipline in all our operations.
“I want to give you that assurance and also to let you know that our mandate is very clear as INEC. INEC has a constitutional responsibility and a statutory mandate to deliver free, fair and credible elections that reflects the will of the Nigerian people.”
Describing his appointment as divine, Amupitan said he was at INEC for a purpose.
“Maybe if I had a choice, I would have said I would not come here. But from all indications, I can see that God is moving this country and my coming is divine.
“With God saying go, who am I to say no? I am here because I have a role to play to ensure that a new Nigeria is birthed.”
Amupitan, however, said to achieve, he needs the collaboration and team work of all staff members, leveraging on each other unique skills and expertise to improve on the process. He noted that the upcoming Anambra governorship election represents an opportunity for INEC to demonstrate its commitment to free, fair and credible elections.
He said the eyes of Nigerians are upon INEC staff members, adding that it is their duty to rise to that occasion.
“The credibility in our elections is paramount and we must ensure that every voter feels confident that their vote will count. Please, because that is a constitutional task.
“Let’s restore back the confidence of every voter that whenever there is an election, their votes will count so that we can address this issue of voter apathy,” he said.
Amupitan, who was accompanied by his wife, children, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Tanko Ishaya and officials from the institution, also pledged to prioritise the welfare of INEC staff.
“For me, staff welfare is going to be a priority. We will expect a lot from you and because of that, you also deserve to be well equipped and supported to deliver.
“We will work assiduously to ensure that your working conditions are conducive and that you have the necessary resources to excel,” he stated.
Earlier in her remarks, acting chairman of the commission, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who took over from Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, congratulated Amupitan on his appointment.
She described his appointment as not only a recognition of his distinguished record as a legal scholar, administrator and patriot, but also a call to national service of the highest order.
She said Amupitan was assuming office at a most crucial time; when the commission was at the final stage of preparations for the Anambra governorship election.
“The task ahead, no doubt, is enormous. Elections are the lifeblood of democracy and the expectations of Nigerians have always been higher.
“However, you are not walking into an empty field. You are stepping onto the firm and fertile ground laid by your predecessor, Prof. Yakubu under whose leadership the commission recorded landmark innovations.
“From the introduction of technology-driven processes such as the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal to the strengthening of institutional transparency and voter confidence. The foundation has been laid; the path is defined. What lies ahead is the building, the consolidation and the forward march.”
Agbamuche-Mbu reminded Amupitan that the assignment before him was a herculean national service that demanded sacrifice, patience and unflinching dedication.
“I have no doubt that you are equal to the task given your pedigree” she said.
She pledged the commitment and readiness of the commission’s staff members to work with him.
