Osun REC on leave, not removed -INEC

Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ambassador Rufus Akeju, has been directed 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. This is contained in a statement by Mr. Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary for the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega. He said Akeju has not been removed or redeployed as widely reported in the July 3, 2014 edition of some newspaper publications. He said, “The REC was requested by the Commission to step aside against the backdrop of intense partisan acrimony over his person. “He acceded to the request, knowing the effort being invested by INEC to make the Osun State Governorship election free, fair and credible. “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 subsist.” He explained that for the avoidance of doubt, Akeju was still INEC’s substantive Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, though another Resident Electoral Commissioner will hold fort for the period that he will be away on his leave of absence. He said, “The Commission hereby reaffirms commitment to spare no effort in ensuring that the upcoming Osun State Governorship election is successful, and that it meets the best possible standard of credibility.”