Olu Samuel

A group, Okun Media Professionals, has condemned the call by the president of the supreme council for Sharia,Sheik Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar calling for the removal of Professor Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman.

In a statement signed by Chairman Chief Olugbemi Femi, the group described the call as “unfortunate and unacceptable”, saying it undermines INEC’s independence and the electoral process.

“Such call was unfortunate and unacceptable as it undermines INECs independence and the entire electoral process.”the group noted.

The chairman praised Prof. Amupitan’s commitment to transparency and fairness, saying he’s done an “excellent job” leading INEC.

The statement criticized Sheikh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar for whipping up sentiment that could destabilize the country, saying “the era of fanaticism and extremism is over in Nigeria”.

It advised the Sheikh to redirect his energy towards promoting peace and unity, emphasizing that competence and integrity should be the hallmark of appointments, not religious or tribal affiliations.

The group urged Nigerians to support Prof. Amupitan and INEC in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring credible elections.