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NO NONSENSE!: CDS assures peaceful, free, fair poll for Edo 2024

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The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, yesterday assured that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with its sister security agencies, would ensure a free, fair, credible, and peaceful governorship election on Saturday, September 21

He gave the assurance when he and other senior military officers deployed to the state on election duty, met with Governor Godwin Obaseki, at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Musa said that the Nigerian Armed Forces were in the state to support and ensure that the election was peaceful and urged political actors not to raise tension in the state because of the poll.

According to him, “I am delighted to be here and my visit here today is to bring peace. Having watched unfolding events on television tension within the state, I usually want to come a few days before any election to preach peace.
“As Nigerians, we should learn how to do things properly as there is no need to raise tension because of the election; it’s not necessary. We have seen how other countries conduct elections peacefully as people will be working, and doing their normal things while elections are on. I wonder why ours seem to be different.

“I want to assure you that members of the Armed Forces are here to support you in this election and make sure that it’s peaceful.

“Our mandate from Mr. President is that the Edo Governorship Election should be peaceful, free, fair and credible. This is what we are here to do; everybody you see here is here to ensure that it’s done. That is the mandate from Mr. President.”

“This is why I am here to see the troops and address them critically for them to understand the importance of free, fair and credible elections in Edo State. We give you the assurance that none of us are going to take sides as we would ensure that there is peace in Edo State.

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“Nobody is to take sides. Whoever is the person that is popular and the people want, the people should be able to elect such a person but not the person imposed on them. I can guarantee you. We have done it in other states in the past three elections, we want to do the same here. You would have noticed that it went well and we want to do the same here. The days of impunity are over; election is not war. People should not die because they want to elect a leader.”

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He commended Governor Obaseki for his administration’s developmental strides, stressing, “I congratulate you on all your efforts and things you have done for Edo people. I have served in Edo State and the State has been part of me. I thank you for all you are doing and the warm reception.”

Responding, Governor Obaseki, said the visit was very reassuring to the people of the State.
According to him, “I want you to help me thank your men in Edo State. Since the resumption of the GOC, he has been very supportive in terms of security in Edo State. A few weeks ago, we went to commission an army operations base in Ehor which has stabilized security in the Benin Auchi axis.

“We had approval to build another in Sobe which has reduced drastically the incident of kidnapping and banditry around that axis. We are writing to you through the GOC for approval for the third base along the Northern border between Edo and Kogi State where we are still having incidents.

“The Chief of Air Staff has been kind enough to collaborate with them to set up a FOB towards the Okada axis. This tells you the level of support and cooperation that we have been receiving from your men.”
“I am glad you are here today because some of the political actors don’t seem to understand the national security implications of this Edo election. The way some people have conducted themselves, it’s quite unbecoming of people who swore to oath.

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“Politicians can behave the way they like but members of the security agencies should give the public assurances and confidence. We are not asking for any favour but saying that Edo citizens should be free to go to the polls to express themselves the way they wish, and we will accept the outcome of a properly conducted poll.

“But when you have a situation where citizens are being intimidated by men in uniform, it’s not acceptable. Last night, I was woken up at 3 am that some policemen at Edo Central were trying to arrest people. I got a call again this morning about a Sienna Bus with a mandate to come and arrest people.

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“We have people arrested and taken away from Edo to Abuja, instead of trying those they claimed to have committed a crime in Edo. The people arrested and taken to Abuja have been detained for more than two weeks on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police.

“When we confronted the IGP in Edo, during the Peace Accord signing, he said they were arrested for murder but when they were finally charged to court, the charge read possession of firearms.”
He further stated, “As I speak, we have our people arrested and being detained in Suleja, Niger State, because they don’t want them to participate in the election on Saturday. When you create situations like this, it results in a lack of trust and confidence.

“When an opposition candidate is campaigning with a police helicopter in the State, then I don’t think it’s fair as they are not creating a level playing field for all candidates.

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“Sir, if it’s possible to appeal to the IGP because we know what EndSARS protests caused the people of Edo State in terms of rebuilding the burnt-down police stations

“We received a lot of information and when we pass it across to the relevant authorities they fail to act. We have intelligent reports of arms movement and thugs being housed in hotels but nothing is being done.

“We don’t want an election that will lead to loss of lives because it’s not necessary. Once citizens feel they are not being treated fairly by the instrument of the state, you will see the kind of tension and violence that can occur in an election. Your presence here today is reassuring. There can’t be a better assurance as you understand the national security implications of this election,” Obaseki stated.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced the airlift of election materials for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to Benin City, Edo State capital, ahead of the governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.

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This move is part of a broader effort to ensure timely and secure delivery of sensitive materials necessary for the smooth conduct of the elections.

The airlift operation demonstrates the collaboration between NAF and INEC, aimed at facilitating logistics and ensuring a peaceful election process in Edo State.

A statement signed by the Deputy Director of Public Relations Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Kabiru Ali said, it may be recalled that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, during a recent meeting with the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, reiterated NAF’s commitment to providing airlift for the swift movement of electoral materials.

This is in fulfillment of NAF’s constitutional responsibility of providing Military Aid to Civil Authority.

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Coup Plot: Presidency Breaks Silence, Fresh Details Emerge

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Coup Plot: Presidency Breaks Silence, Fresh Details Emerge

The Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, says the Presidency will stand by the Nigerian Military’s position that there was never a coup attempt in Nigeria.

According to Naija News, on October 18, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had released a statement describing as false and misleading the reports online that alleged that activities to mark the 65th independence anniversary of Nigeria were cancelled over an attempted coup plot.

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The rumours of a coup intensified further after President Tinubu sacked the Service Chiefs.

In an interview with TVC on Tuesday, Dare said the Presidency will stick to the narrative of the Nigerian Military that there was no coup attempt in Nigeria.

According to him, the presidency will only change its position when the military says otherwise, because the military is constitutionally empowered to secure the country.

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He said, “We are going to stick to the narrative of the military because they are the ones constitutionally empowered to secure this country. They are given the power, arms and ammunition as the intelligence power.

“So when the military says these are the reasons why we have this development, we are going to stay with that narrative because that is the brief that is out there. Until the military comes with a different narrative, we are going to stay with that narrative. On some military being retained, there is a need to have institutional memory and maintain a balance and this decision was not taken on a flip for the person that was retained.”

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Coup Plot: Fresh Moves As Military Arrests MD, Investigates Funds To Finance Coup

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Coup Plot: Fresh Moves As Military Arrests MD, Investigates Funds To Finance Coup

In a significant turn of events, the military has taken decisive action by arresting a managing director linked to a burgeoning coup plot.

This strategic move comes amid an extensive investigation into the financial resources allegedly earmarked to support the coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu.

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As the situation unfolds, there are growing concerns regarding the potential involvement of various stakeholders in this conspiracy.

Military investigators probing an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu are reportedly grilling a Managing Director of a Federal Government agency in the South South region, according to The PUNCH.

Two intelligence officers confirmed that the MD was arrested for allegedly transferring a huge sum of money to a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who was fingered as one of the financiers of the alleged plot to forcefully change the government.

According to reports, investigators believe the funds were meant to finance the coup.

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“The MD (name withheld) transferred a huge sum of money to Sylva. Investigators are working on the theory that the fund transfer was connected to the coup. He is presently answering questions about what the money was meant for.”

Former Bayelsa governor Sylva’s Abuja house was reportedly raided by investigators on Saturday, with military operatives arresting his younger brother, Paga, who is his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs and went away with his driver.

The former minister and All Progressives Congress chieftain was outside the country during the operation.

Sources with knowledge of the operation explained that he was planning to return to the country when he heard that the coup leaders had been arrested. He thus shelved his plan to return home.

“Sylva’s Abuja home was raided on Saturday, but he wasn’t around. His younger brother, Paga, who is the SA, Domestic, and the driver, were arrested. Investigators believe Sylva allegedly funded the coup plot. Sylva was abroad and was preparing to leave for Nigeria when he got wind of the arrest of the coup leaders. So, he stayed back.”

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, and the Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau, could not be reached for comments on Tuesday as they didn’t pick up calls from our reporter.

Gusau had, in a statement on October 4, said that 16 officers were detained for breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.

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“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations.

“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations,” the statement partly read.

However, online platform SaharaReporters claimed that the detained officers — ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General —were being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.

It also alleged that the officers were arrested at their homes across the country.

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Source: The Punch

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Coup Plot: Tension In Abuja As Army Raids Residence Of Ex-Minister, What They Found

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Tension is palpable across the communities of Abuja following a foiled coup attempt, prompting authorities to intensify their efforts against those suspected of involvement in the plot.

In a significant development, members of the Nigerian Army executed a search operation at the Abuja residence of Timipre Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

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This raid is part of a broader investigation spearheaded by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) into the alleged conspiracy.

According to reports from SaharaReporters, this operation underscores the serious nature of the allegations flying around and the government’s commitment to unraveling the details behind this troubling incident. The atmosphere of uncertainty and concern in the capital seems to be growing as investigations unfold.

Multiple security sources confirmed to SaharaReporters on Tuesday that the army raid occurred at Sylva’s home in the Maitama area of Abuja.

According to insiders, a “special military team” carried out the operation after intelligence linked the “former South-South governor” to secret meetings allegedly held with some of the detained military officers.

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“Nigerian Army special team ransacked the home of Timipre Sylva, who is believed to have fled Nigeria,” one top source familiar with the development told SaharaReporters.

“He is the South-South former governor frequently mentioned in the case. His brother, named Paga, was picked up during the raid. The operation also extended to his Bayelsa residence.”

Another security insider said that while no official statement had been issued regarding the raid, the action was “not random” but “a direct response to intelligence linking certain political figures to the alleged plotters.”

This development comes amid growing tension within the armed forces following SaharaReporters’ exclusive report that at least 16 senior military officers had been detained incommunicado by the DIA over an alleged coup plot.

The detained officers, drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, have been held for over three weeks in an undisclosed Abuja facility under what sources described as “unusual and suspicious conditions.”

Family members told SaharaReporters they initially believed their relatives had been kidnapped, as there was no official communication from the military regarding their arrests.

“It’s been 18 days since those 16 officers were detained in an undisclosed location. At first, we thought our brother was kidnapped before finding out what transpired from his friend who works in the NSA office,” a family member had said.

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Security analysts have questioned why the DIA, an intelligence agency under the Ministry of Defence, is spearheading the investigation instead of allowing each military service to handle its personnel internally, a move seen as “highly political.”

“If the military were truly conducting a disciplinary operation, over 10,000 cases could emerge. Why only 16 officers, and why hand them to the DIA?” one retired officer asked. “This smells of politics. There’s clearly more going on behind the scenes.”

Speculations are now rife that the alleged plot and subsequent arrests may have deeper political undertones, potentially involving some former office holders with ties to late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State and a close ally of late Buhari, served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources between 2019 and 2023.

He was also the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the November 2023 Bayelsa election, which he lost to incumbent Governor Douye Diri of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

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15 Occupants Trapped As Two-Storey Building Collapses In Lagos

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15 Occupants Trapped As Two-Storey Building Collapses In Lagos

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service revealed that 15 people, comprising seven female adults, seven male adults, and four children, had been rescued with varying degrees of injury.

A two-storey building has collapsed in the Oyingbo area of Lagos, leaving an undisclosed number of people feared trapped.

The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, in a situation report, said that the agency received a distress call in the wee small hours of Monday.

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Adeseye explained that the building located on 54, Cole Street, Cemetery Bus Stop, had been marked ‘Distressed’ before it collapsed on the occupants.

She revealed that 15 people, comprising seven female adults, seven male adults, and four children, had been rescued with varying degrees of injury.

They were taken to the Federal Medical Center, Ebute Meta, and General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island.

She, however, said a rescue operation by the Sari Iganmu Fire Station of the LSFRS was ongoing.

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“It is an ongoing rescue involving an existing two-storey building which has reportedly [been] marked distress before collapsing on the occupants.

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“Fifteen adults (seven male adults, four female adults, and four children) have been rescued with varying degrees of injury and taken to Federal Medical Center, Ebute Meta, and General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island,” the statement partly read.

Building collapses in Nigeria are a lingering concern, especially in the rainy season.

The incident happened weeks after six people were rescued in September after a two-storey building collapsed on Modupeola Street, Mangoro, Alimosho, Lagos.

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Scene of the collapse of a three-storey building at Alagomeji, in the Yaba area of Lagos State.

On September 13, one person was confirmed dead when a three-storey building in Alagomeji area of the state collapse.

 

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Protest: Police Issues Fresh Warning To Sowore, Deploys Officers To Two Key Locations

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Protest: Police Issues Fresh Warning To Sowore, Deploys Officers To Two Key Locations

Police commissioner Olohundare Jimoh has warned activist and politician Omoyele Sowore and others against protesting over demolitions in Lagos.

Jimoh gave the warning while addressing journalists in the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge on Monday.

He said the Lagos police command had made massive deployments across the city to forestall any planned demonstrations that could lead to public disorder. He also mentioned that the command would not tolerate any attempt to block major highways or disrupt the peace currently being enjoyed in Lagos.

“We want to warn Sowore and his group to stay away from Lagos or face the full weight of the law. The Third Mainland Bridge is too vital to the Nigerian economy and the safety of lives and property for anyone to think of blocking it. Every day, thousands of people depend on that route for their livelihood and medical emergencies, ” Mr Jimoh said.

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Jimoh said cops had been stationed at strategic points, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, Lekki Toll Gate, and other areas to ensure peace and order.

“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow laid-down procedures. What we have seen in recent times is not protest but attempts to disrupt public peace. Anyone who engages in such will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.

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Following the recent demolition in Oworonshoki, Mr Jimoh defended the government’s action, describing the affected areas as illegal structures and criminal hideouts.

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“Those areas were being used by criminals to launch attacks on innocent Nigerians. The government is justified in clearing them. Genuine residents have been compensated, and this was documented and covered by the media two days ago,” he said.

He accused some individuals of attempting to exploit the situation for political or criminal purposes, warning that the police would not allow anyone to use the guise of protest to cause mayhem.

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“Anyone hiding under activism to cause chaos is complicit in a conspiracy to commit a crime; we will not permit that, ” he said.

The commissioner assured law-abiding residents of adequate protection, urging them to go about their daily activities without fear.

“Every Nigerian is entitled to protection, safety, and freedom of movement. We will continue to ensure that Lagos remains peaceful, but criminality under the cover of protest will not be tolerated,” Mr Jimoh said.

(NAN)

 

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(FULL LIST): 4 Things Tinubu Told INEC Chairman To Do Ahead 2027 Election

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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, to prioritise transparency and non-violence as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, saying credible polls remained the foundation of public trust and democratic stability.

Speaking at the State House in Abuja shortly after administering the oath of office on the new INEC boss, Tinubu said Amupitan’s appointment, confirmed by the Senate a week ago, was a mark of confidence in his competence and character by both the executive and legislative arms of government.

“I, therefore, urge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this assignment, to protect the integrity of our elections and the electoral process and the institutional capacity of INEC, and I wish you success on your first assignment in November 2025, which is the governorship election of Anambra state,” Tinubu said.

“As the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, your nomination and confirmation are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you,” Tinubu said, adding, “This marks the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibilities with the highest level of integrity, dedication, and patriotism.”

The President emphasised that Nigeria’s democracy, which has lasted since 1999, had evolved through reforms, innovation, and lessons learned from past challenges.

“Our democracy has come a long way. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly our electoral system. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral system must be beyond reproach,” Tinubu noted.

President Tinubu added that while no electoral system was flawless, credibility and transparency at every stage, be it registration, campaigning, voting, and results collation, remained critical to sustaining public trust.

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He said, “To maintain public trust in elections, electoral integrity must be protected, all aspects of the process from registration to campaigning, the media access, voting and counting should be transparent, non-violent and credible.

“Elections safeguard the people’s exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future.

“We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow.”

Tinubu urged Amupitan to prioritise transparency, inclusivity, and non-violence in future polls.

Shortly after the ceremony, Amupitan told State House correspondents that he would uphold the Constitution and engage all stakeholders in the pursuit of credible elections.

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“I’ve just taken the oath of allegiance and the oath as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. I reaffirm my commitment to defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as they relate to the electoral system. Like the President said, I have been given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair, and free elections, and that I will ensure,” he said.

The new INEC boss said his leadership would prioritise collaboration with political parties, civil society organisations, and security agencies.

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“No matter how well you design the system, success requires the cooperation of all stakeholders,” he said.

Amupitan succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who is the longest-serving INEC chairman yet, having overseen the commission since 2015.

He took the oath of office at 1:50 pm at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law at the University of Jos, was confirmed by the Senate on October 16, 2025, following his endorsement by the National Council of State.

The National Council of State had approved his nomination on October 9, two days after Yakubu’s exit.

Since the 1993 cycle, Nigeria’s election umpires have come from a handful of zones. The South-East produced Prof. Humphrey Nwosu from Anambra, who supervised the famed June 12, 1993 polls, and later Prof. Maurice Iwu (Imo), who oversaw the 2007 polls.

The South-South produced multiple chairpersons during the transition years. These include Okon Uya from Cross River, who served briefly after June 12, Sumner Dagogo-Jack from Rivers, who served as NECON chairman under Abacha, Justice Ephraim Akpata from Edo State, who oversaw the 1999 transition and Dr. Abel Guobadia (Edo) in 2003.

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From 2010, the tide tilted to the North with the appointment of Prof. Attahiru Jega from Kano State (North-West), who oversaw the 2011 and 2015 elections and is widely credited with restoring confidence after the 2007 cycle.

He was succeeded by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu from Bauchi (North-East), who conducted the 2019 and 2023 polls, and expanded the use of biometrics and other forms of tech.

Amupitan is the first INEC chief from Kogi, North-Central.

Upon assuming duties at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Amupitan vowed to restore credibility and public confidence in the country’s electoral system, declaring his appointment as a “divine” call to serve the nation.

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Speaking during his first official meeting with the commission’s directors, he stressed that fulfilling the commission’s mandate would depend on teamwork, discipline, and integrity within the organisation.

The INEC chairman stated that his mission was to conduct free, fair, and credible elections while strengthening democratic values across the country.

“Our mandate is clear, and what is it? To deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people. To achieve this, we must work together as a team,” he stated.

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Addressing INEC staff and directors, the university don pledged to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

“As we mark the beginning of the new chapter, I want to assure you of my commitment to upholding the highest standard of integrity, transparency, and discipline in all our operations,” he said.

The INEC chairman described the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election as a defining moment for the commission.

“The upcoming Anambra state governorship election is not just another electoral exercise. It represents a pivot opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair, and credible elections,” he declared.

“The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that occasion.

“Credibility in our election is paramount, and we must ensure that every voter feels confident that their vote will count. Because that is a constitutional task, and let’s restore back the confidence of every voter that whenever there is an election, their vote will count,” Amupitan added.

While promising to make staff welfare a central part of his agenda, he acknowledged that the commission’s workforce played a vital role in ensuring credible elections.

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“For me, staff welfare is going to be my priority. We are going to be expecting so much from you, so your welfare is going to be a priority.

“We’ll work assiduously and tirelessly to ensure that our working conditions are conducive and that our staff are equipped with the necessary resources to excel,” the new INEC chairman assured staff members.

Amupitan, accompanied by his wife, children, and senior officials from the University of Jos, expressed gratitude to his academic colleagues, who celebrated his appointment.

“I was told that the whole university got shut down out of excitement. One of theirs is now given this very herculean and important responsibility of heading this commission at this time,” he said.

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Despite the weight of his new responsibilities, he said he was ready for the challenge.

“The places I’ve gone to, including some national commissioners, they were saying, ‘I don’t envy you.’ But let me say that I am excited about the journey ahead.

“Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly for the credibility of our elections,” he said.

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He described his appointment as part of a divine plan.

“Maybe if I had a choice, I would say I would not come here. But from all the indications, I could see that God is moving in this country, and my coming is divine.

“If God says go, who are you to say ‘I’m not going?’ I’m here because I have a role to play to ensure that a new Nigeria is birthed. And of course, you know, INEC has a very, very important role to play in this quest.

“God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.

Earlier, the Acting Chairman of INEC, May Agbamuche-Mbu, formally transferred the reins to Amupitan.

Congratulating Amupitan on his appointment and swearing-in, she noted that his emergence was “a recognition of your distinguished record as a legal scholar, administrator, and patriot, but also a call to national service of the highest order.”

She reminded him that he was assuming office at a “most crucial time” as the commission prepared for the Anambra governorship election, adding that four National Commissioners were already in the state on a readiness assessment visit.

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Acknowledging the enormity of the task ahead, she said, “Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the expectations of Nigerians have never been higher.

“However, you are not walking into an empty field. You are stepping onto the firm and fertile ground laid by your predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.”

Agbamuche-Mbu praised Yakubu’s leadership for introducing “landmark innovations, from the BVAS and IReV to the strengthening of institutional transparency and voter confidence.”

Describing the assignment before Amupitan as “a herculean national service,” she expressed confidence in his capacity to lead.

“(It’s) one that demands sacrifice, patience, and unflinching dedication, but I have no doubt that you are equal to the task,” the national commissioner noted.

She presented the handover notes to Amupitan, saying, “May your tenure be marked by wisdom, integrity, innovation, and enduring impact.”

 

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