The Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) says Frankland Briyai, its resident electoral
commissioner in Cross River state, breached the code of conduct while declaring
his political ambition.
On Thursday, Briyai announced
that he had resigned in order to contest the November governorship election in
Bayelsa state.
He had told journalists at the
commission’s office in Calabar that he would contest the election on the
platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
But reacting via a statement on
Friday, Festus Okoye, chairman, information and voter education committee at
INEC, said making such announcement within the commission’s premises is
forbidden by law.
Okoye added that despite making
announcement on his resignation, the commission is yet to receive any
communication on this from Briyai.
He said section 306(2) of the
1999 constitution states that the resignation of such appointment takes effect
upon receipt of the letter of resignation by the appointing authority.
“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,” he 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commissioner and withdrawn all powers delegated to him,” the statement added.
“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.”
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