Senate has successfully screened and confirmed the presidential nominee professor Joash Amupitan for appointment as Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the sitting, put the question for senators to affirm the confirmation of Professor Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The nominee spent over two hours addressing the lawmakers and responding to various questions on the independence of the commission, the conduct of free and credible elections, and other related issues concerning Nigeria’s electoral process.
In his response, Professor Joash Amupitan stated that the independence of INEC largely depends on its financial autonomy.
He added that one of his key priorities would be to strengthen the commission’s integrity and ensure transparency in all its operations.
On the issue of local government elections, the new INEC Chairman emphasized that the matter is of great importance.
He noted that although states have invested significantly in establishing their own electoral commissions, and considering the potential burden on INEC if the conduct of local government elections were transferred to it, the decision is not one he can make alone.
He said it would require consultations with all relevant stakeholders.
Professor Amupitan assured that he would utilize all available resources within the commission to ensure credible, free, and fair elections in Nigeria, devoid of any form of compromise.
He also urged the National Assembly to provide the commission with the necessary legislation to further strengthen the country’s democratic processes.
Cov/Bashir M
