Posted by From Funmi Peter-Omale in Abuja on
'Is Mr. Akanni around"? one man was heard asking the security men at the entrance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja. About a dozen pairs of eyes turned to look at him.
'Is Mr. Akanni around"? one man was heard asking the security men at the entrance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja. About a dozen pairs of eyes turned to look at him.
After what seemed like eternity, one of the security men held the man by the arm and asked him, "Don't you know, have you not heard, have you not been watching the news?"
The security man pointed at the point where the picture of the late Timothy Olusegun Akanni was placed over a condolence register. The visitor slumped into a chair.
Such was the air that pervaded the Commiss-ion's headaquarters yesterday. A lot of people, including some staff did not even know the "Akanni" in the manifest was the same Director, Special Projects in the office of the the Chairman, Professor Maurice Iwu.
It was gathered that Akanni was on his way back from Lagos where he had gone to attend the wedding of a young woman who haad been staying with his family.
According to a source at INEC, "All members of his family actually travelled to Lagos for that girl's wedding but I think he was said to have decided to come back because of the Church service the next day.
He was the Pastor in one of the parishes of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). So imagine if all of them had decided to board the same flight? But we thank God."
Director of Public Affairs, INEC, Pastor Segun Adeogun described Akanni as "an embodiment of knowledge, a first class chartered accountant, highly meticulous and assidous."
"In discharging his duties, he was meticulous and was always prepared to work late into the night to get jobs done. He was so articulate and highly devoted to the principle of humanaity."
Adeogun said he has lost a personal friend, a brother and a financial managemnet institution.
"The Commission will miss his immense wealth of experience and contributions he had brought to bear in discharging his duties", he added.
Meanwhile INEC Director of Public Affairs told THISDAY that a team led by a National Commissioner, Engr. U. Uchola was dispatched to the family of the deceased in Lagos. The DPA explained that as soon as the condolence team reports back to the Chairman, the Commission shall make a formal announcement.
"The plans shall be unveiled when the condolence team the Commission sent to the familty in Lagos reports back. We can not say much now. The team is expected back today."
A distinguished accountant, Akanni 47, joined the then National Electoral Commission in 1987 and rose to become a Director in 2002. Until recently, he was the Director of of Finance before he was moved to head the Special Projects.