Distinguished public commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has reacted to the appointment of Professor Juash Amupitab as the brand new Chairman of the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC), describing the method as a “one-man present” and a transparent signal of political loyalty fairly than competence.
In a put up shared on his X deal with on Thursday, Shehu expressed disbelief at what he known as the “rubber-stamp affirmation” of the brand new INEC boss by the Nationwide Council of State, alleging that no member of the council would have the braveness to oppose the president’s selection.
“This isn’t information in any respect. No member of the Nationwide Council of State may have the audacity, guts, temerity and liver to oppose the one-man-show nomination of the brand new INEC chairman,” Shehu wrote.
He sarcastically referred to the brand new appointee as a “Trusted Tinubu’s Appointee (TTA)”, advising him to right away assume workplace with out bothering about Senate affirmation.
“He mustn’t hassle in regards to the Senate as a result of they will’t oppose his nomination as they’ve been standing on a standard mandate since 2015,” he mentioned.
Persevering with his criticism, Shehu urged the brand new chairman to behave like a loyal servant to the president, suggesting that loyalty not integrity was what assured such appointments.
“Instantly he resumes, he ought to ship his signature to all banks the place INEC has accounts, ask for balances, assessment his price range by 500%, and start to obtain guests from his zone, church, and donor companies,” Shehu wrote mockingly.
He additionally suggested him to “pre-record the outcomes of the 2027 elections on a hypothetical foundation as an indication of appreciation,” claiming such gestures would guarantee countless approval of budgets and immunity from anti-graft companies.
Shehu concluded by alleging that INEC chairmen below successive governments have been extra loyal to the president than to the Nigerian folks.
“Keep in mind that all INEC appointees, notably the chairman, should direct 100% of their loyalty to he who appoints them. They don’t have any enterprise pleasing Nigerians or respecting the Structure and that shallow INEC Act,” he added.
He congratulated the brand new appointee, describing the place as a juicy appointment reserved solely for individuals who can ship.
Recall that earlier on Thursday, President Tinubu appointed Joash Amupitan as the brand new chairperson of INEC.
