INEC DENIES OSUN REC REMOVAL, SAYS HE HAS BEEN ASKED TO PROCEED ON LEAVE

The Independent National electoral Commission INEC has denied reports that the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Osun State, Ambassador Rufus Akeju has been removed. Reports of his removal had earlier been published in various media today Thursday 3 July. In a press statement today, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman Kayode Idowu said the REC was only requested by the Commission to step aside against the backdrop of intense partisan acrimony over his person. “Ambassador Rufus Akeju, has been requested to proceed on leave of absence – for his own safety and as his contribution to ensuring the credibility of the state governorship election scheduled for August 9, 2014. He has not been removed or redeployed as widely reported in the media today “He has not been indicted for any offence, and the appeal by INEC for a stay of execution of the interlocutory order restraining the Commission from recognising him as Osun REC still subsists,” the statement said. The statement also said Ambassador Rufus Akeju remains INEC’s substantive REC for Osun State, but another Resident Electoral Commissioner will hold fort for the period that Akeju will be away on his leave of absence. The statement said the Commission is sparing no effort in ensuring that the upcoming Osun State governorship election is successful, and that it meets the best possible standard of credibility.