The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has declared that the forthcoming Anambra November governorship election will provide an opportunity for his leadership and staff of the Commission to demonstrate their commitment to free, fair, and credible elections.
He made the declaration on Thursday in his inaugural remarks while addressing staff of the Commission.
He was received by the erstwhile acting Chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu.
Professor Amupitan said his assumption marks the beginning of a new chapter at INEC.
He maintained that the electoral umpire under his watch will uphold the highest level of integrity, transparency and discipline in all its operations.
He said: “I have been given this very herculean and important responsibility of heading this Commission at this time.
“I am indeed very honoured to be with you today as your new Chairman and as we mark the beginning of a new chapter, I want to assure you of my commitment to upholding the highest level 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. We have a constitutional responsibility and a statutory mandate as we all know.
“The mandate is clear and what is it? To deliver free, fair and credible elections that reflect the will of the 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 a team player. We have to work together, leveraging on our unique skills, expertise and improve on our performance. The essence is to tap your brains so that we will be able to achieve our mandate.
“As we gather for this meeting it is important to understand the critical role that we play in the future of Nigeria. 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 occasion.”
Speaking specifically on preparations for Anambra election, he called for cooperation of all stakeholders as he noted that the success of the coming exercise rests on the support the Commission would enjoy from politicians themselves.
“I have just been briefed by the erstwhile acting Chairman but our preparations no matter how it may be is as good as the cooperation and support we receive from the stakeholders, including the politicians and the general public. So the eyes of Nigerians are upon us.
“Today, as I stand before you, I am emphasizing the need for us to work together in unity and there should be that synergy and collaboration among our various units. The credibility of elections is paramount and we must ensure that every voter feels that his vote will count
“Let us restore the confidence of every voter that whenever there is an election, their votes will count.”
Earlier in her remarks, the erstwhile acting Chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu, assured Professor Amupitan of the cooperation of INEC National Commissioners and all staff.She further declared that the new Chairman is inheriting a firm ground, based on the legacy of his immediate predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
She said: “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, Professor 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.”
