INEC Sacks Cross River REC Over Bayelsa Guber Ambition
- Says resignation invalid
BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – For daring to use the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s premises to declare his gubernatorial ambition for the Bayelsa State Government House on the All Progressives Congress, (APC) platform, the Commission has sacked its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Cross River State, Dr. Frankland Briyai.
According to the electoral umpire, the dismissed REC’s action is not only unlawful, but contrary to the Code of Conduct subscribed to by all its officials.
The decision was announced in Abuja on Friday by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Barrister Festus Okoye
In an official statement signed by Barrister Okoye, the Commission said; “While it is the right of any Commissioner or official of the Commission to resign his or her appointment and join any political party of his/her choice and to aspire for any office or position, INEC frowns at the use of its premises or facilities for any political purpose as this is unlawful and contrary to the Code of Conduct subscribed to by all its officials.”
The statement further said; “Following his declaration, the Commission has relieved Dr. Briyai of his duties as a Resident Electoral Commissioner and withdrawn all powers delegated to him.
“Consequently, the Administrative Secretary of Cross River State has been directed to oversee the office and take over the functions and duties of the REC until further notice.”
The Commission noted that Dr Briyai had, on Thursday, addressed the Media to the effect that he has resigned his position as REC with effect from 8th August 2019 and joined a Political Party on whose platform he intends to contest the November 16, 2019 Governorship Election in Bayelsa State.
The statement said though this briefing held at INEC’s Cross River State office in Calabar, the Commission was yet to receive any communication on this from the sacked REC.
The electoral umpire further explained that Section 306(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended clearly states that the resignation of such appointment takes effect on receipt of the letter of resignation by the appointing authority, which in this case is the President of Nigeria