BY Levinus Nwabughiogu

ABUJA—The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday, cleared the fog on the circumstance surrounding the whereabouts of Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Ambassador Rufus Akeju, saying he had been requested to proceed on leave of absence not outright removal as had been widely speculated.

Aregbesola and Omisore

The commission also added that the move was for the safety of the REC and also part of his own contribution towards ensuring the credibility of the state governorship election scheduled for August 9, 2014.
The development was contained in a release by the Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu.
Idowu added that the commission was committed  to conducting a successful election in Osun State.

“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 subsists.

“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,” he said.