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The Okun Development Association has expressed strong confidence in the appointment of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, while calling on Nigerians and political actors to exercise restraint in their reactions.\n<\/p>\n
In a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the President General of the association, Ambassaodor (Chief) Akenson Rotimi, the association commended President Bola Tinubu for the appointment of Amupitan, describing it as a merit-based decision.\n<\/p>\n
The association added that the confidence reposed in Amupitan is an honour to Okunland, Kogi State, and every Nigerian who believes that public office should reward integrity and capacity, declaring its full support for the electoral chairman, noting his track record and leadership qualities.\n<\/p>\n
The statement read: \u201cThe Okun Development Association (ODA), on behalf of Okun sons and daughters worldwide, extends sincere appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe receive this decision as a clear endorsement of competence and character, and as a call to national service anchored on merit.\n<\/p>\n \u201cODA declares, without reservations, our unflinching support for Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN as he assumes leadership of INEC at a defining moment in our nation\u2019s democratic journey. His public and academic record reflect uncommon discipline, fidelity to due process, and abiding respect for institutions.\n<\/p>\n \u201cIn every assignment he has handled, Amupitan has shown the temperament, intellectual depth, and moral courage required to manage sensitive national duties with fairness and firmness. We are assured that these qualities will guide his stewardship of the Commission.\u201d<\/p>\n The association further highlighted Amupitan\u2019s values and contributions, describing him as a symbol of integrity and service.\n<\/p>\n \u201cProf. Joash Amupitan SAN personifies the values Okunland holds dear: honesty, hard work, humility, and service above self. As a scholar, he has raised generations of Nigerians who today serve in critical sectors of our society. As an administrator, he has built systems that outlast individuals. His commitment to strong, impartial institutions is exactly what INEC requires to consolidate public trust. <\/p>\n \u201cWe are confident that under his leadership, the Commission will discharge its constitutional mandate without fear or favour, and that his tenure will strengthen the credibility of our electoral process,\u201d the statement added.\n<\/p>\n While acknowledging that the position would attract scrutiny, ODA urged stakeholders to channel grievances through appropriate means.\n<\/p>\n \u201cODA is mindful that the office of INEC Chairman will always attract intense public scrutiny. While such scrutiny is part of democracy, we respectfully remind all stakeholders, political actors, and concerned citizens that Nigeria\u2019s constitutional order provides established channels for resolving disputes. We therefore urge any aggrieved parties to ventilate their concerns through the appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms.\n<\/p>\n \u201cWe call for restraint in public commentary and ask all Nigerians to grant Prof. Amupitan the calm and institutional space needed to serve the nation with neutrality, courage and desired results,\u201d the group said.\n<\/p>\n Reaffirming its commitment to national unity and democratic stability, the group expressed confidence in both the appointee and the administration.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Okun Development Association reaffirms its commitment to national unity, democratic stability, and the success of the Tinubu administration.\n<\/p>\n \u201cWe assure the President and the Nigerian people that Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN will discharge his responsibilities with honour, bringing credibility and candour to his office, to Okunland, and to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.\u201d\n<\/p>\n The group also appealed to Nigerians to pray for and support the INEC chairman as he undertakes the national assignment.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n