Islamic Group, JIBWIS rejects Amupitan as INEC chair

• Warns of ‘dangerous risk

By Musa Baba Adamu

T\he National Chairman of the Council of Ulama of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has strongly opposed the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Sheikh Jingir said Nigerian Muslims have rejected the appointment, describing it as a risk of the highest order, particularly given the sensitive role INEC plays in the country’s democracy.

He spoke at the end of the 33rd annual national seminar of JIBWIS, which lasted three days in Jos.

According to the cleric, Amupitan is facing criticism over a legal document he reportedly authored in the past, which allegedly sought to justify claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

Although the Tinubu administration has repeatedly denied such allegations, Sheikh Jingir noted that the government has not responded to calls demanding Amupitan’s removal.

Sheikh Jingir argued that anyone who has made such accusations against Muslims should not be trusted with leading an institution as important as INEC.

“Why is it that someone who abused Sheikh Usman Danfodio and Muslims was appointed as INEC chairman?” he asked.

He also accused Amupitan of publicly alleging that Muslims were responsible for genocide against Christians in Nigeria, saying this alone should disqualify him from holding any sensitive national position.

The JIBWIS leader expressed concern over what he described as the silence of the National Assembly on the matter, urging lawmakers to intervene.

“I wonder why members of the National Assembly are quiet. They should do the right thing and ensure a fair and acceptable person is appointed to head INEC,” he said.

Sheikh Jingir further stated that Muslims are uncomfortable with the idea of someone who allegedly called for foreign action against Nigeria leading the country’s electoral body.

“I strongly disagree with appointing someone who went abroad to call for an attack on Nigeria as the head of our electoral umpire. Appointing such a person is an extremely dangerous risk,” he added.