IF PROF. Joash Amupitan refuses to resign, I would not be surprised. APC’s nearly decade-long rule hasn’t exactly set a sterling example. Nigeria has lots of talented and educated folks, but honourable ones are rare – that is why our youths lack role models. Imagine his students at University of Jos, who probably looked up to him… his stubbornness might just mess with their moral compass.
When Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as Minister of Interior, confirmed that he once had relationship with New Planet Projects Ltd that received a contractual sum of N438 million from the suspended minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Betta Edu, he also confirmed that he was the founder of the company, and that his wife now runs the company. This is a clear case of conflict of interest, a breach of our laws. All calls for Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to do the honourable by resigning from office fell on deaf ear.
Allan Boesak, a South African anti-apartheid activist, was jailed in 2000 for fraud and theft involving $400,000 in donor funds meant for charity. Despite his contributions to the anti-apartheid movement, President Mandela let justice run its course – he just appealed for legal aid for Boesak. If it is Nigeria, justice will tilt to his favour since he is a member of the ruling party.
In Nigeria and some African countries, public office is about serving yourself, friends, and tribe – not the nation. It’s seen as a chance to grab a slice of the national cake. Resigning before the ‘sharing’ starts is a mistake to those who’ve got high hopes on the appointee.
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Amupitan’s friends – academics, tribesmen, old students’ associations, alumni, and ruling party officials – have likely already reached out, positioning for juicy INEC contracts. Their time has come, and he can’t let them down. ‘Experts’ on milking the treasury would’ve coached him. They’re salivating over INEC’s 2027 election humongous budget.
If the professor still has a conscience nudging him to do the right thing, his friends, associates, tribesmen, and ruling party officials will pressure him otherwise.
He will hold on to the job with all he’s got; he can’t handle the backlash from those already counting on him.
In Nigeria, a public servant accused of any misdemeanour, gripped on public office like an assassin determined to finish a tough hit – even when the target is harder than expected.
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The professor has got a lot to clear. If the allegations are true, and really Nigerians have tried very hard to prove that the professor is lying. Imagine what he’d do with election results. It’s baffling a SAN would try altering Twitter evidence – digital footprints don’t just vanish.
The president can’t stay silent on calls for the INEC Chairman to resign – it’s in democracy’s interest. He’s linked to the mess. If he’s serving the nation, he should address it. He shouldn’t make it seem like he’s above the law. There are Nigerians who can fill Amupitan’s shoes – Prof. Nnenna Otti’s a good example.
Denying ownership of the account at this point is getting unbearably embarrassing and could destroy any vestige of credibility the professor may possess. It’s like denying the crime of theft when the missing item is in your hands
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Young people have been sending money to the Opay account of Prof. Amupitan, same number he used to open his X account in 2022. He should understand that that money came from people’s sweat and the sweat came from our blood. People are sending their blood to him for lying. I hope he understands and stop lying
Allan Boesak, a South African anti-apartheid activist, was jailed in 2000 for fraud and theft involving $400,000 in donor funds meant for charity. Despite his contributions to the anti-apartheid movement, President Mandela let justice run its course – he just appealed for legal aid for Boesak. If it is Nigeria, justice will tilt to his favour since he is a member of the ruling party.
The Tinubu government is silent, pretending not to see Amupitan’s mess. I reckon the president knows the gravity of the situation – and what Amupitan’s denial is doing to INEC’s reputation.
The president can’t stay silent on calls for the INEC Chairman to resign – it’s in democracy’s interest. He’s linked to the mess. If he’s serving the nation, he should address it. He shouldn’t make it seem like he’s above the law. There are Nigerians who can fill Amupitan’s shoes – Prof. Nnenna Otti’s a good example.
Comrade Amechi is a Lagos-based trade union activist and pro-democracy advocate.
