The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan has pledged to uphold integrity, transparency and discipline in the management of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Amupitan made the pledge during his first meeting with directors of the commission in Abuja on Thursday.
He said that 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 Nigerian people,” he said.
Describing his appointment as divine, Amupitan said that he is at INEC for a purpose.
“I am here 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,” he said.
Amupitan, however, said that to achieve that he needs the collaboration and team work of all INEC 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 that 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 voters feel 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 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, the acting chairman of the commission, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who took over from Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, congratulated Amupitan on his appointment.
Agbamuche-Mbu described Amupitan’s 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 that 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,” she said.
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 giving your pedigree” she said.
She pledged the commitment and readiness of the commission’s staff members to work with him.
She also appreciated the commission and Nigerians for the privilege to have served as acting chairman of INEC.(NAN)
