Mr Viral
By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA: Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Professor Joash O. Amupitan (SAN), on Tuesday administered the oath of office on Professor Adeniran Tella as a Resident Electoral Commissioner REC, declaring that the Commission will not tolerate any compromise in the conduct of elections.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Amupitan described the occasion as “a solemn one; an occasion of call to duty,” adding that Tella was being entrusted with “a profound responsibility” at the frontline of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Professor Amupitan, who became INEC Chairman with what he described as “a clear and unwavering mandate to deliver free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections,” said the REC’s role is central to safeguarding the will of the people.
He emphasized that the mission of the Commission is “a moral and legal duty we owe to every citizen,” underscoring the gravity of the task ahead.
Reaffirming the Commission’s uncompromising stance on electoral integrity, Amupitan told the newly sworn-in REC; “I must be unequivocal and I admonish you that the integrity of our elections is non-negotiable.”
He urged Tella to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and to adhere strictly to all INEC guidelines and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“Any compromise on our values or our procedures shall not be tolerated,” he warned.
The INEC Chairman also charged the REC to focus on transparency and voter confidence. He said the Commission is determined to “combat all forms of election rigging, including the menace of vote-buying,” reminding Tella that “the eyes of the nation are upon us” and that the public trust in INEC remains “sacred.”
Amupitan further urged the new REC to work closely with INEC staff to make the state under his supervision “a beacon of hope and democratic values,” insisting that restoring credibility to the electoral process is vital in addressing voter apathy and other longstanding challenges.
Announcing Tella’s posting to Oyo State, Amupitan expressed confidence in his capacity to deliver on the Commission’s expectations. “Go forth… and ensure your state is a beacon of hope,” he charged.
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