Lawyer and public affairs analyst, Frank Tietie, has criticised some Nigerians in the United Kingdom who confronted the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, during his visit to London, describing their actions as an unnecessary attempt to embarrass the electoral chief.
Tietie’s reaction comes amid public attention surrounding the incident at Chatham House, London, where some UK-based Nigerians reportedly confronted Amupitan and allegedly labelled him a criminal in an attempt to discredit and humiliate him.
The lawyer maintained that the INEC chairman did not deserve the treatment he received, expressing disappointment over the attention generated by the confrontation.
Speaking on the controversy on Arise News, he argued that the media coverage appeared disproportionate to the incident.
“I am a bit disappointed by the level of interest shown in the actions of the few individuals who attempted to humiliate the INEC Chairman in London. He did not deserve that treatment.
“I also believe the media gave the incident far more attention than it warranted. It almost seems as though some people are looking for opportunities to humiliate him,” he said.
Tietie also urged Nigerians to consider Amupitan’s performance in office rather than allow the London confrontation to overshadow developments in the country’s electoral system.
He pointed to the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, noting that the electoral process had recorded gradual improvements under Amupitan’s leadership.
“He has overseen two off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun, and we have witnessed gradual improvements in the electoral process,” Tietie added.
The lawyer’s comments come amid ongoing public debate over the conduct of the INEC chairman and the circumstances surrounding his encounter with some Nigerians during his London visit.
He maintained that public criticism should be constructive and focused on electoral accountability rather than personal attacks or attempts to embarrass public office holders.
