The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday disclosed that the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ambassador Rufus Akeju, was told to proceed on leave of absence ahead of the state governorship election to ensure his safety.

The chief press secretary to the INEC chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, in a statement, said the request by INEC for Akeju to go on leave was “for his own safety and as his contribution to ensuring the credibility of the state governorship election scheduled for August 9, 2014 in the state.”

The statement, which further exonerated Akeju of any offense on grounds that he had not been indicted by any court, however, noted that he was asked to proceed on leave because of the concern over his neutrality.

The commission added that Akeju remains Osun State substantive REC even though another REC had been redeployed to oversee the election.

The Kogi State REC,Segun Agbaje, resumed duty in Osun State on Tuesday as directed by the Commission’s headquarters Abuja

The statement reads, “The REC (Akeju) 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 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.”

www.monitor9ja.com

'INEC REC in Osun As Being Sent On Leave Of Absence". Op, So much for free education. No wonder; the testimonies from Waec.