Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for INEC Chairman, appeared before the Senate on Thursday for his screening session.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved to revoke Order 12, allowing “strangers” to enter the chamber. Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) seconded the motion, enabling Amupitan to enter the chamber at 12:50 p.m.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio told lawmakers that the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) cleared Amupitan after a full background check.
Akpabio added that a fingerprint search by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) confirmed that Amupitan had no criminal record. He said, “All security agencies have cleared the nominee, making him eligible to proceed with the screening.”
Amupitan began by presenting his résumé to the senators. President Bola Tinubu earlier requested the Senate to confirm Amupitan as INEC Chairman, leading to his current screening.
In a letter read by Akpabio, President Tinubu wrote, “In accordance with Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
He continued, “Attached is his curriculum vitae, while hoping that the Senate will consider and confirm the appointment of the nominee in its usual expeditious manner.”
The letter ended with, “Please accept, distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Senator Akpabio sent the INEC Chairman screening request to the Committee of the Whole for immediate consideration.
Lawmakers questioned the nominee to evaluate his qualifications and vision for electoral reforms as the session continued.
