Corruption Is a Poison, INEC Chairman Warns Staff Cooperative Leaders

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has delivered a stern message to the leadership of the Commission’s Staff Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society, urging them to uphold the values of transparency, integrity, and accountability that define the electoral body.

Speaking at the society’s Annual General Meeting and election in Abuja, Amupitan cautioned that any form of corruption or mismanagement of members’ funds would erode trust and weaken the institution. He described corruption as “a poison to any institution, especially one built on collective trust.”

He tasked the incoming and outgoing executives with maintaining meticulous financial records, ensuring every transaction is traceable, and guaranteeing that decisions are made in the best interest of members.

According to him, the co-operative’s primary purpose is to support staff welfare—particularly in a period of economic hardship when many rely on the society for financial stability.

“The co-operative money belongs to its members, and the executive is merely a trustee,” he said, insisting that every naira must be properly accounted for and invested in ventures that genuinely improve members’ welfare, not frivolous celebrations.

Amupitan also stressed the need for fairness in loan allocation, warning that no member should be denied access to benefits because of their status or connections.

He urged the leadership to stick strictly to the society’s rules, embrace fairness, justice, and equity, and adopt long-term investment strategies that strengthen the cooperative’s resilience.

Reaffirming his commitment to staff wellbeing, he said the cooperative must function as a lifeline, offering staff an opportunity to save, grow, and support one another.