SAN FRANCISCO, July 03, (THEWILL) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Thursday said the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ambassador Rufus Akeju, has not been removed or redeployed as reported in the media but 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.
A statement issued on Thursday by Kayode Robert Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, 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 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.”
The statement added: “For avoidance of doubt, Ambassador Rufus Akeju remains INEC’s substantive Resident Electoral Commissioner 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 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. It urges all other stakeholders to join in this commitment.”
