The Senate on Thursday asked Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to “bow and leave” during his screening session.
The phrase “take a bow and leave” is a parliamentary tradition used by lawmakers to show respect to distinguished Nigerians, especially former legislators or notable public figures.
Earlier, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC–Ekiti Central), had moved a motion to suspend Order 12 to allow Amupitan into the chamber, a move seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP–Benue South).
Amupitan entered the chamber around 12.50pm.
Before the session began, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, informed members that the nominee had been cleared by multiple security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the Inspector-General of Police.
He noted that fingerprint checks conducted by the police confirmed that Amupitan had no criminal record.
President Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate requesting Amupitan’s screening and confirmation as INEC Chairman.
In his letter, read by Akpabio, the President urged the Senate to consider the nomination swiftly in accordance with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Attached to the letter was Amupitan’s curriculum vitae, with Tinubu expressing confidence in his nominee’s competence and urging the Senate’s prompt approval.
The Senate subsequently referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative action.
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