BREAKING: Senate confirms Prof. Amupitan as INEC chairman

Before introducing himself to the Senators for the question and answer session, Akpabio disclosed to his colleagues that the nominee had been cleared by the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, after vetting and fingerprinting.

According to Akpabio, the office of the Department of State Services, DSS, had also cleared him.

The President of the Senate also stated that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), after conducting a fingerprint search on him, cleared him and confirmed that he has no criminal records with the Police.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday written to the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The President, in a letter read by Akpabio, sought expeditious consideration and approval by the Senate.

The letter read: “In accordance with the provisions of section 154 subsection 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 accordingly forwarded the request to the committee of the whole for legislative action as soon as practicable.