President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), has arrived at the Senate Chamber for his official screening.
The screening session began after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central, moved a motion for Order 12 to be suspended to allow strangers into the chamber. The motion was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro from Benue South, paving the way for Amupitan’s entry into the hallowed chamber around 12:50 pm.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, informed members that Professor Amupitan had been cleared by the Office of the National Security Adviser following thorough vetting and fingerprint verification. He added that the Department of State Services and the Inspector-General of Police had both confirmed that the nominee had no criminal record after their investigations.
“Professor Amupitan has undergone all the required security checks and has been certified fit for consideration,” Akpabio told his colleagues before the start of the question and answer session.
At the ongoing session, Professor Amupitan is currently presenting his curriculum vitae and professional achievements to the Senate while responding to questions from lawmakers.
President Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate, urging lawmakers to fast-track the confirmation process in accordance with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution. The letter was read by Senate President Akpabio during plenary, after which the request was forwarded to the committee of the whole for legislative consideration.