The University of Ibadan Muslim Graduates’ Association recently expressed shock and concern over allegations that the new INEC chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, authored a legal brief used by the US to label Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, sparking fears about his impartiality in overseeing Nigeria’s elections. The association questions the appointment, citing Professor Amupitan’s alleged bias against Muslims and the potential impact on the country’s security challenges.
According to a statement issued by Mojeed Imran, National President of the University of Ibadan Muslim Graduates’ Association, “We strongly hold the opinion that either this revelation has not reached him, or he is conducting further investigations. We refused to believe that the appointment of Professor Amupitan was a compensation to appease some “gods”
“How will the Federal Government allay the fear of the Muslims that somebody who could peddle a deliberate lie against them as a result of his traditional hatred or for monetary consideration would be transparent in handling the sensitive assignment of conducting elections in Nigeria?”, added the statement.
“It is on record that Nigeria is currently facing serious security challenges which any rational person will join hands with the Government to look for solutions. That for a law lecturer who is charged with the responsibility of teaching fairness and truthfulness will throw caution into the winds and deliberately authored falsehood left much to be desired.
The available facts showed that some of these terrorist groups being tagged “Islamic” are actually a creation of non-Muslims which facts, we assume, are equally available to this Professor of Law. The other truth is that Muslims suffered more casualties than all other religions in all these terrorist attack.
As it stands, Professor Amupitan with the credentials of personal hatred for the Muslims cannot reasonably preside over election matters in Nigeria; he is already biased and may not divorce himself from his prejudiced notion.
We therefore call on the President to do the needful and write his own name in gold.
