Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation of Amupitan as New INEC Chairman …Omidiran Nominated as FCC Chairman, 28 Others as Federal Commissioners

By Iyojo Ameh

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted the name of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) to the Senate for confirmation as the new National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The request was contained in a letter read on the floor of the Senate by its President, Godswill Akpabio, at the commencement of Tuesday’s plenary session.

The letter read:
“Pursuant to the provisions of subsection 1 (4 & 5) 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 (SAN) 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.”

Following the reading of the letter, Senator Akpabio referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for consideration “as soon as practicable.”

In a separate communication, President Tinubu also sought the Senate’s confirmation of Hon. (Mrs.) Ayo Omidiran from Osun State as the new Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), along with 28 others nominated as Federal Commissioners.

Among the nominees are Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara State), Babangida Bwala (Bauchi State), Mrs. Eunice Thomas (Akwa Ibom State), and Obinna Oriakwu (Abia State), among others.

The Senate President subsequently referred the nominations to the Committee on Establishment and Inter-Governmental Affairs for screening and to report back within two weeks.