Latest Nija Gist

Allegations against me are baseless -Osun REC

The outgoing Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, Ambassador Rufus Akeju, has said that all the allegations of bias leveled against him are spurious.

According to a statement made available to our correspondent in Osogbo on Tuesday by the media aide to the governor, Akeju said this when he paid a farewell visit to Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

The REC said that he was accused of being a card-carrying member of a particular party but he said that  those accusing him had failed to provide evidence to back up their claims.

The Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State had, on many occasions, accused Akeju of being a member of the APC but the INEC redeployed the REC in Kogi State to conduct the August 9 governorship poll in the state about a month to the election date.

Akeju stated that it took divine intervention and his forthrightness to have stayed on the job than expected due to attempt by some alleged desperate politicians who wanted to discredit him at all cost.

He said, “There was nothing that they did not say to make sure that our image and reputation were tarnished. But I thank God for his mercies. They alleged that I am a card-carrying member of a particular party.

“We thank God that at the end of the day, all their allegations were unfounded and false. We are happy that we have come and served meritoriously. We wish Osun the best among the committee of states, and long live Nigeria.”

Aregbesola had used the opportunity to task the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that the next year’s general election was credible.

The governor admonished the electoral umpire not to be biased and fall short of the expectations of the teeming masses of the country who are looking forward to an election where the majority of votes will count.

The governor also urged the electoral commission to use electronic card reader for the conduct of the 2015 elections. He said this would further enhance the credibility of the poll.