Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan has been officially confirmed as the substantive Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His nomination had received unanimous approval from the Council of State last week.
The confirmation followed a screening session by lawmakers in the Senate Chamber during a Committee of the Whole. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had forwarded Amupitan’s name to the Senate on Tuesday for consideration and confirmation.
Amupitan arrived at the Red Chambers accompanied by Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters; Professor Tanko Ishaya, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos; his wife, Mrs. Amupitan; and their three children, Barrister Favour, Marvelous, and Beloved Amupitan.
During the screening, senators posed several questions to Amupitan, all of which he addressed comprehensively. At the conclusion of the session, he was asked to take a bow and exit the chamber, with assurances that the lawmakers’ decision would be formally communicated to him.
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After Amupitan and his entourage left, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to restore all floor privileges previously suspended for the session. The motion, seconded by the Minority Leader, was approved via voice vote.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio then put Amupitan’s nomination to a voice vote, and the chamber confirmed his appointment.
“The nomination of Joash Ojo Amupitan for appointment as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission is hereby confirmed,” Akpabio declared.