AfriPulse
…Says Staff Welfare, Credible Elections Top Priority
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, on Thursday formally assumed office as the new Chairman of the Commission, succeeding May Agbamuche-Mbu, who had served in an acting capacity.
Amupitan’s assumption followed his swearing-in earlier in the day by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, which marked the beginning of a new phase for Nigeria’s electoral body.
Speaking during the official handover at INEC headquarters in Abuja, his maiden address titled “A New Chapter of Integrity and Teamwork,” Prof. Amupitan expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the Nigerians for the trust reposed in him, describing his appointment as “a divine call to serve the nation.”
“It is with immense gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as your new Chairman. I am honoured to lead this great institution and to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and discipline in all our operations,” he stated.
The new chairman pledged to work closely with all departments and staff of the Commission to ensure free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
“INEC’s mandate is clear — to deliver elections that reflect the people’s will. To achieve this, we must work as a team. Let us restore the confidence of every voter that their vote will count. That is our constitutional duty and moral obligation,” he emphasised.
Amupitan pledged his commitment to staff welfare, describing it as a key priority under his leadership.
“We are going to be expecting much from our staff, so we must also give much. Your welfare will be a priority. I assure you that we will work assiduously to ensure conducive working conditions and provide the necessary resources to excel,” he said.
He also noted the importance of teamwork and synergy among the Commission’s departments, urging staff to break down silos and maintain the credibility of electoral processes.
He said, “The integrity of our elections is not negotiable. The eyes of the nation are upon us as we prepare for Anambra. We must rise to the occasion and prove that the people’s votes truly matter.”
Amupitan, who attended the event with his wife, three children, and senior officials from the University of Jos, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tankwe Shaya and other principal officers, described his appointment as a collective honour for the academic community.
“I was told the University of Jos was agog with excitement. That means this assignment is not just mine; it’s a national service that carries the pride of many,” the INEC chairman said.
“From all indications, I can see that God is moving in this country, and my coming is divine. I am here because I have a role to play to ensure that a new Nigeria is birthed.”
Earlier in her valedictory remarks, outgoing Acting Chairman May Agbamuche-Mbu described the day as one of “continuity, renewal, and steadfast commitment to the ideals of credible elections and good governance.
“It is with immense joy and deep respect that I formally welcome and congratulate our new Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, on his well-deserved appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she said.
Agbamuche-Mbu noted the achievements of former INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, under whom the Commission introduced key electoral innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and IReV (INEC Results Viewing Portal).
“The foundation has been laid; the path is defined. What lies ahead is the building, the consolidation, and the forward march,” she stated.
She noted that Amupitan was assuming office at a crucial time, with the Anambra election only weeks away, and assured him of the staff’s loyalty and readiness to support his leadership.
“The task ahead is enormous, but you are not walking into an empty field. The staff of INEC are among the most experienced and patriotic public servants in Nigeria. They will stand firmly with you as you lead the Commission into its next chapter,” Agbamuche-Mbu said.
She handed over detailed documents containing the Commission’s ongoing programmes, administrative matters, and strategic priorities to ensure a seamless transition.
“On behalf of the National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners, Directors, and all staff of the Commission, I congratulate you once again and wish you great success as you take on this noble and demanding responsibility. May your tenure be marked by wisdom, integrity, innovation, and enduring impact,” she added.
The event at INEC headquarters in Abuja brought together national commissioners, directors, staff, and members of the academic community, including senior officials from the University of Jos, where Amupitan previously served as Dean of Law.
Amupitan, a legal scholar and former Dean of Law at the University of Jos, hails from the North-Central region. His appointment comes at weeks before the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
Source: TheWhistler | Read the Full Story…
