The embattled Ekiti State resident
electoral commissioner, Mrs. Ayoka
Adebayo has in a move that surprised
some and confused many more turned up at
the INEC headquarters in Abuja, on
Wednesday. She came with company of some
of her children andindividuals believed
to be members of her family to see the
National Chairman of the Independent
National Electoral Commission, Prof.
Maurice Iwu. A few minutes after the
closed door meeting with Iwu began, an
INEC official emerged and invited one of
her sons to join the meeting. However
soon after the meeting, Iwu attempted to
smuggle her out of his office to avoid
the glare of the media- he failed as
newshounds swarmed around both of them
prompting members of her family to
close in to shield her from the barrage
of questions which journalists hurled at
her.Asked why she was at INEC
headquarters Adebayo said “ I am still a
member of the
INEC Family.”
Journalists: “How?
Adebayo: “As Resident Electoral
Commissioner of Ekiti State.”
Journalists: What about the
letter of resignation you submitted?
Adebayo: No comment.
Journalists: Are you returning to
Ekiti?
Adebayo: No comment.
Although the details of the closed door
meeting are still a closely guarded
secret, it was gathered that Iwu pleaded
with her to weigh the implications of
her action with regards to Nigeria’s
image. It was also gathered that she was
told in clear terms that she could risk
legal action if she stuck to her guns by
throwing in the
towel.
Yet to be verified reports suggest
that Adebayo was shown her security
dossier by the Security services and the
contents forced her to have a change of
heart. Adebayo had in her letter of
resignation on Tuesday said “Ekiti State
was supposed to be an election that will
enhance the image of INEC…unfortunately,
the
circumstances changed in the middle of
the process. Therefore, my conscience as
a Christian cannot allow me to further
participate in this process.”
In response, the Federal government
through the minister of Information and
National Orientation, Prof. Dora
Akunyili said “The purported letter of
resignation of Adebayo is suspect and
there is a need for the weighty
allegation contained in the letter to be
properly investigated. The letter is
intended to discredit the
government.”
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