President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, unveiled Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as his nominee for the position of chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ends next month.
However, Prof. Yakubu resigned his position earlier this week to ensure a seamless transition.
Hereunder are eight key things to know about the new electoral umpire boss:
1. First Kogi-born INEC Chairman:
Professor Joash Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State, and indeed the entire North-Central to be nominated for the top electoral job. He hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
2. A Professor of Law:
Amupitan is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, where he currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
3. A Distinguished Academic and Legal Scholar:
He obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Jos after earlier studies at the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, Amupitan has built a robust career spanning over three decades.
4. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN):
In 2014, Amupitan earned the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), joining the elite class of legal luminaries recognised for excellence and distinction in the legal profession.
5. Author of Legal Texts:
He has published several authoritative works, including:
Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008)
Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008)
Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013)
Principles of Company Law (2013)
6. Administrative and Boardroom Experience:
Beyond academia, Amupitan has served on several boards, including:
Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom, Plateau State: Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS); Council of Legal Education, and he was also a Board Member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja, from 1996 to 2004.
7. Integrity and Apolitical Reputation:
According to President Tinubu, Amupitan’s nomination was based on his “apolitical stance, integrity, and impeccable record of service.” Council of State members also unanimously endorsed his nomination, describing him as a man of proven honesty and national commitment.
8. Family and Personal Life:
The 58-year-old Lawyer is married with four children.
