ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), appeared before the Senate Chamber on Wednesday for his screening exercise.
Amupitan was ushered into the hallowed chamber at 12:50 p.m. after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow strangers into the chamber, a motion that was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Before the screening began, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, informed his colleagues that the nominee had been duly cleared by several national security agencies.
According to Akpabio, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) vetted Amupitan, while the Department of State Services (DSS) also cleared him. In addition, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), after conducting a fingerprint search, confirmed that Amupitan has no criminal record with the police.
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Following these disclosures, the nominee proceeded to present his résumé to the Senate and respond to questions from lawmakers.
It will be recalled that President Tinubu had on Tuesday transmitted a letter to the Senate requesting the screening and confirmation of Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new INEC Chairman.
The letter, which was read by Senate President Akpabio, sought the Senate’s expeditious consideration and approval.
Tinubu’s letter read in part: “In accordance with the provisions of Section 154 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (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).”
“Attached is his curriculum vitae, while hoping that the Senate will consider and confirm the appointment of the nominee in its usual expeditious manner.”
“Please accept, distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Senator Akpabio subsequently referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for legislative action at the earliest possible time.