Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan assumed duty on Thursday with a promise that the integrity of the nation’s electoral system was not negotiable. Amupitan arrived the INEC headquarters in Maitama area of Abuja at exactly 2.27 pm in a white coaster bus and a motor cade accompanied by the National Commissioners after his swearing in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He was however ushered into the conference Hall of the Commission at about 2.57pm clad in white babariga with a Yoruba traditional cap to match, where he was introduced to the Directors of the Commission.
He was accompanied to the Commission headquarters by his wife, who is said to be a professor; the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos where he was Deputy Vice Chancellor; Registrar of the University of Jos; the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University; the Bursar of the university as well as the University Librarian.
Amupitan, who was cleared by the Senate recently after endorsement of his nomination by the National Council of State was sworn in on Thursday by the President.
Addressing the staff of the Commission, Prof Amupitan pledged his commitment to electoral integrity and ensuring that the vote of Nigerians count, saying the eyes of Nigerians was on the commission.
He said as Chairman of the commission, he will work with the staff to promote the highest standard of discipline, transparency and integrity of the electoral system in the country and carrying out the constitutional mandate of the commission which is to deliver credible, free and fair election.
While calling for teamwork, he said: “We must work together to improve the entire electoral system. The Anambra election is not just another election, but an avenue to demonstrate free and fair election.”
Amupitan said working in unity of purpose by the entire staff of the commission was paramount in assuring Nigerians that their votes will count.
He told the staff not to compromise their values, saying the integrity of the electoral system was not negotiable, while assuring that staff welfare and training will receive the needed attention.
He said: “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 which is it to deliver free, fair and credible elections that reflects the will of Nigerian people? To achieve this, we must work together as a team. So that’s why it was so important for us to start our assignment with this interaction.
“We have to be team players. While we look at the KPIs of individuals. We will also look at how it’s tied to your overall performance as a team players, which is very, very crucial for us. Therefore, to achieve this, we have to work together, leveraging on our unique skills and expertise and improve our own process. So the essence is to tap your brains so that we’ll be able to achieve our mandates.
“As we gather for this meeting, it’s important to acknowledge the critical role of INEC to the future of Nigeria. The upcoming Anambra State governorship election is not just another electoral exercise. It represents an 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 location.”
