Sheikh Jingir says INEC chair Amupitan’s appointment stands rejected
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The National Chairman Council of Ulama of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has faulted the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, describing it as highly risky.
He said Nigerian Muslims have rejected the appointment because of the sensitive role of INEC as the nation’s electoral body.
Sheikh Jingir spoke at the end of a three-day 33rd annual national seminar organised by JIBWIS at Saddeqa Event Center in Jos.
Professor Amupitan has faced criticism over a legal brief he authored years ago. The document allegedly attempted to justify claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria. The Tinubu administration has repeatedly denied the allegation. However, the government has remained silent on calls demanding his removal.
According to the cleric, the INEC chairman had accused Muslims of carrying out genocide against Christians. He argued that such a person should not occupy a sensitive national office.
“Why is it that someone that had abused Sheikh Usman Danfodio and Muslims was appointed INEC chairman, “ Sheik Jingir asked.
He also questioned the silence of members of the National Assembly on the matter. He urged lawmakers to take action and ensure that a fair individual heads the electoral commission.
The Islamic scholar further stated that Muslims oppose the appointment of anyone he alleged had invited foreign intervention against Nigeria to lead a critical institution.
He said, “I disagree with the person that went aboard to call for an attack on Nigeria, and the government of Muslim-Muslim, take the risk of appointing him as the head of electoral umpire, it is an extremely a risk of the highest order.”