The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, has emphasized the importance of upholding core values such as transparency, integrity, and accountability within the Commission’s Staff Multi-Purpose Co-Operative Society. He made this call during the society’s Annual General Meeting and election, where he addressed the leadership on the need for prudent management of members’ funds and the conduct of free and fair internal elections.

Professor Amupitan stressed that corruption and mismanagement of members’ savings would not be tolerated, describing corruption as a “poison” to institutions built on trust. He underscored the cooperative’s purpose, which is to prioritize members’ welfare, especially during challenging economic times. The INEC chairman advised the society’s leadership to prioritize deft financial management, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that all transactions are traceable and decisions are justifiable.

He emphasized that the cooperative’s funds belong to its members, and the executive committee is merely a trustee. Professor Amupitan reiterated his commitment to staff welfare, urging the cooperative leadership to prioritize members’ welfare and ensure equal access to loans and benefits. He stated that every member, regardless of position or connection, should have fair access to the society’s packages and benefits.

The INEC chairman also encouraged the society to adopt a forward-thinking approach, focusing on good investments to build a resilient future. He reminded the leadership to be guided by the rules of the multipurpose society and the principles of fairness, justice, and equity. By emphasizing these values, Professor Amupitan aims to ensure that the cooperative society remains a reliable option for staff to save and support one another during challenging economic times.

The meeting and election mark an important milestone for the cooperative society, as it seeks to strengthen its governance and operations. The INEC chairman’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, and member welfare is expected to have a positive impact on the society’s activities and reputation. As the society moves forward, it is likely to face ongoing challenges in managing its finances and providing benefits to its members, but with a renewed focus on its core values, it is well-positioned to navigate these challenges and achieve its goals.