The newly sworn-in chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has officially resumed duty, confessing that he would not have accepted the responsibility if he had his way.
In his remarks during his inaugural meeting with the senior members of the staff of the electoral commission, at its headquarters in Abuja, he declared next month’s Anambra state off-cycle governorship election as a litmus test.
Amupitan also admitted that though the task heading the commission is very daunting and challenging, he is, however, equal to the responsibility assigned to him.
The former University Professor officially assumed office at the national secretariat of the electoral umpire by 3.00 pm and was received by an array of National Commissioners and Directors heading 23 departments in the commission.
He was equally accompanied by the top management staff of the University of Jos, including the Vice Chancellor, his family members comprising his wife, a Professor and three children.
His words: “I assure you that we are going to work assiduously and tirelessly to ensure that our working conditions are conducive and that our staff are equipped with the necessary resources to excel. Most places I have gone to, including some National Commissioners, they will tell me that they don’t envy me, but let me say that I am excited about the journey ahead.
“Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly for the credibility of our elections. That may be challenging, but if we stand united, there is nothing we cannot achieve. I look forward to working closely with all of you as we pass on this very, very important mission.
“For us, we are here for a purpose. Maybe if I had a choice, I will say I will not come here, but when, from all indications, I could see that God is moving in this country, and my coming is divine. If God say go, who are you to say I am not going.
“I am here because I have a role to play to ensure that a new Nigeria is berthed. And, of course, you know, INEC has very, very important role to play in this quest. God bless you all,” he said.
While commenting on the Anambra governorship election, Amupitan said: “The upcoming Anambra State governorship election is not just another electoral exercise. It represents a pivot opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair and credible elections. The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that reputation.
“I have just been brief about some of the preparations, but as I informed the Acting chairman, that our preparation, no matter how good it may be, is as good as the cooperation and support we receive from the stakeholders, including politicians and the general public.
“So, the eyes of Nigerians are upon us. I am before you, and I am emphasising the needs for us to work together in unity, synergy and collaboration among our various units. As I have been informed, credibility in our election is paramount, and we must ensure that every voters feel confident that their vote will count.
“It is a constitutional task, and 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 aparthy. Let us break down silos. I must stress that we should not compromise our values of processes that will have consequences. So the integrity of our elections is not even something we should negotiate.
“As I was leaving the State House, the first question they asked was what I want to do now in Anambra? I refuse to talk about Anambra until I have come to meet with his staff, and also Mr. President, in his remark, also echo the same that we should do everything possible as we go into Anambra election leave this country fair, free and credible election,” he said.
Speaking further in his remarks, Amupitan said: “It is with immense gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility that I am before you after being sworn in by the president of Nigeria as the chairman of INEC. I am indeed very honoured to be with you as your new chairman, and as we mark the beginning of a new chapter, I want to assure you of my commitment of upholding the highest standard of integrity, transparency and discipline in all our operations.
“I want to give you that assurance, and 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?
Earlier, while welcoming him, the interim chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu, while handing over, exalted the virtue of the new commission’s Chairman, noting: “You are assuming office at a most crucial time; a period when the commission is at the final stage of preparations for the Anambra state governorship election.”
“The task ahead, no doubt, is enormous. Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the expectations of Nigerians have never been higher. However, you are not walking into an empty field. You are stepping onto the firm and fertile ground laid by your predecessor, Mahmood Yakubu, under whose leadership the commission recorded landmark innovations, from the introduction of technology-driven processes such as the BVAS and IReV 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,” Mbu noted.
Credit: The Sun