Joash Amupitan assumes duty as INEC chairman, says ‘my appointment is divine’

Joash Amupitan, newly sworn-in chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says his appointment was divinely orchestrated.

Amupitan spoke on Thursday when he resumed office at the INEC headquarters in Abuja — shortly after his swearing in ceremony at the State House.

In his inaugural speech, Amupitan highlighted the importance of integrity, transparency, in fulfilling INEC’s constitutional mandate to deliver free, fair, and credible elections, starting with the upcoming Anambra governorship poll.

He also called for unity among stakeholders to restore voter confidence and address voter apathy.

“I am indeed very honored to be with you today as your new chairman and as we’ve marked the beginning of a new chapter,” he said.

“I want to assure you of my commitment to upholding 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 as we all know.

“Our mandate is clear and what is it? To deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of Nigerian people.

“The upcoming Anambra state governorship election is not just another electoral exercise. It represents a pivotal 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 occasion.”

Amupitan said staff welfare will be his priority, adding that he could see the efforts.

“It (staff welfare) is going to be a priority because we are going to be expecting so much from you,” he said.

“So you need also to give so much to who you are expecting much from. Your welfare is going to be a priority and I assure you that we’ll work assiduously and tirelessly to ensure that our working conditions are conducive and that our staff are equipped with necessary resources to excel.”

The INEC chairman expressed enthusiasm about his new role, adding that through team work, the values of democracy can be strengthened for credibility of elections.

“The paths may be challenging, but if we stand united, there is nothing we cannot achieve,” he added.

”I want to thank you for your commitment, your service, and I look forward to working closely with all of you as we embark on this very, very important mission. For us, I am here for a purpose,” he said.

“Maybe if I had a choice, I would say I would not come here. But when from all the indications, I could see that God is moving in this country and my coming is divine.

”So once God says go, who are you to say I’m not going? I’m here because I have a role to play to ensure that the new Nigeria is better.”