Erstwhile Coordinator of Tinubu Presidential Legal Team, Babatunde Ogala (SAN) has dismissed the rumour making the rounds in the social media that the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) was a member of Tinubu’s legal team.
Ogala, in a statement signed by himself on Friday, described the rumour as false and misleading. He urged the general public to disregard the ‘baseless’ claims.
The statement read: “My attention has been drawn to several false and misleading claims currently circulating on social media, alleging that Prof. Amupitan SAN recently appointed as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was a member of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team.
“As the erstwhile Coordinator of that legal team, I feel compelled, not as a rejoinder, but in service to truth and public interest, to set the records straight. And to allay any concerns these malicious fabrications may have caused among well-meaning Nigerians.”
For the avoidance of doubt, Ogala noted that Prof. Amupitan, SAN, was never, at any point, a member of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team.
“His name does not appear among the over One Hundred and Twenty-three legal practitioners who were formally engaged for that assignment. Of whom, sixty (60) were distinguished Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
“At no time during the entire process was his counsel, opinion, or professional service sought or rendered.
“I, therefore, challenge anyone peddling this falsehood to produce verifiable evidence to the contrary. In fact, any member of the public may apply for Certified True Copies of all legal processes filed on behalf of the President-Elect (as he then was) to confirm the authenticity of this statement.
“While political discourse is inevitable in any democracy, it is essential that our engagement remains anchored on truth, decency, and national stability.
“Deliberately twisting facts to inflame public sentiment serves no one and only endangers our collective peace.”
Ogala emphasized that Mr. President has lawfully exercised his constitutional prerogative in making this appointment and the Council of State has approved same.
He said, “It is, therefore, incumbent upon all responsible citizens, leaders, and media practitioners to reject narratives that are baseless, divisive, unkind, uncharitable and capable of undermining public trust.
“I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and the continued strengthening of our democratic institutions. Let truth, not mischief guide our national conversations. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”