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The LEAGUE OF MIDDLE-BELT STAKEHOLDERS strongly condemns the recent call by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) and its affiliates of all descriptions for the removal of Professor Joash Amupitan as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This call, after a rigorous screening process by the Senate and Security clearance is an ill wind that blows no good and a blatant attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions and sow fear, hatred and ill tolerance among Nigerians.
The SCSN statement, threatening to boycott the 2027 elections if Professor Amupitan is not removed, is a clear manifestation of religious intolerance and a desperate attempt to impose its will on the nation. We see this as a recipe for chaos and a threat to national unity akin to the activities of Islamists terrorists groups practicing in Nigeria. This statement is closely related to those by sharia advocates whose disposition supports insurgent and extremist religious activities. An investigation could further reveal their opportunism and linkages to previous and continuing violent extremism in the country.
Therefore, we reject this blatant and disgusting attempt to deprive other ethnic groups and faiths, their rights as citizens, fit and able to discharge obligatory responsibility to this nation unless they belong to a particular faith and come from an ethnic group in the far north of Nigeria.
In this regard, it must be emphasised that there is a line between freedom of speech and reckless incitement by religious bigots against upstanding citizens of very good conscience.
For sixteen (16) uninterrupted years, Nigeria’s electoral umpire, INEC, was led by Muslim leaders from Northern Nigeria – Professor Attahiru Jega and Professor Mahmood Yakubu. Notably, Christian leaders, Nigerians from the Middle-belt and the South did not protest/challenge their appointments or continued stay in Office simply because they are Muslims, thereby reflecting a broader commitment to merit and national interest over sectarian considerations.
This context underscores the absurdity of the recent call for Professor Joash Amupitan’s removal, highlighting a concerning shift towards politicizing and sectarianizing INEC’s leadership. Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when institutions are insulated from such pressures.
This is the very first time an indigenous person from the Middle-Belt Region of Nigeria has been appointed to steer affairs at the Electoral Commission which by all standards was done on merit.
We find it alarming that the SCSN demands Professor Amupitan’s removal simply by reason of his Middle-Belt origin and or Christian faith. This call by the Sharia Council is a recurrent and consistent practice whenever a none muslim is appointed from the Middle-belt to any position at the National level. Recall similar reactions surrounding the Appointment of General CG Musa as Chief of Defence Staff. Similarly, it happened in the past following the appointments of Admiral Jonah Wuyep and Ibrahim Ogohi as Chiefs of Airforce and Navy respectively among others.
The rejection of Professor Amupitan, a competent and erudite Professor and legal practitioner with intellectual capacity is an open attempt to undermine the country’s democratic institutions and create tension.
There is no doubt that the SCSN actions are a threat to national security, unity and stability. We call on all Nigerians to reject this attempt to pit citizens against each other and work towards a more united and peaceful nation.
It is now clear, that the priorities of the Supreme Council of Shari’a in Nigeria seem misplaced, given the disturbing trend of events in Northern Nigeria. It’s disheartening that amidst the plethora of heartbreaking videos on social media showcasing brutalization and inhumane acts perpetrated by bandits, the SCSN’s focus is on calling for Professor Amupitan’s removal.
What’s even more shocking is the deafening silence of some Northern leaders, who are vocal about the INEC Chairman’s dismissal but mute on the ongoing terror in Northern Nigeria. This raises questions: is the INEC Chairman truly the North’s biggest problem, or is it the likes of Bello Turji and other bandits ravaging villages and lives?
We urge the Intelligence community in Nigeria and the international community to scrutinize the activities of the Supreme Council of Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN), with a view to ascertain whether their agenda and actions align with democratic principles and do not undermine Nigeria’s stability at this crucial moment.
In conclusion, Perpetrators of divisive rhetoric in Nigeria must face justice, so we demand.
