Osun Gov. Election: INEC Orders Controversial REC Akeju To Go On Compulsory Leave

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Thursday, July 3rd, 2014

Oyewale Oyelola

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Amb. Rufus Akeju to proceed on leave to ensure that the controversial REC does not oversee the August 9 governorship election in the state.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega

The Peoples Democratic Party and its governorship candidate for the election, Senator Iyiola Omisore have on several occasions urged INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega to remove the REC to ensure free and fair election.

Omisore stated that Akeju is card-carrying member of APC and close associate of APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

The PDP governorship candidate noted that it will be difficult for Akeju to conduct credible election with his relationship with Tinubu.

African examiner learnt that Jega instructed Osun REC to proceed on leave to ensure credible, free and fair election that will be acceptable to all come August 9, 2014.

Mr. Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary for the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega in a press statement made available to newsmen on Thursday said Akeju was requested by the Commission to step aside against the backdrop of intense partisan acrimony over his person.

The statement reads, “ Osun 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.

“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.”