INEC strips REC of powers for declaring for APC

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman

THE national headquarter of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has frowned at the circumstances surrounding the resignation of its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Cross River State, Frankland Briyai.

Brita resigned his position as REC on Thursday to join the governorship race in Bayelsa, fixed for November 16.

The electoral umpire in a statement signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye and made available to newsmen in Abuja, INEC expressed its disappointment that Dr Briyai used its office in Calabar to declare his ambition.

The Commission further disclosed that it has since directed its Administrative Secretary in  Cross River State “to oversee the office and take over the functions and duties of the REC until further notice.”

The statement read in part:”The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Cross River State of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Frankland Briyai yesterday 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.  Although this was done at the Commission’s Cross River State office in Calabar, the Commission is yet to receive any communication on this from Dr. Briyai.

”Section 306(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that the resignation of such appointment takes effect on receipt of the letter of resignation by the appointing authority – in this case the President.

”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.

“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 Briyai of his duties as a Resident Electoral Commissioner and withdrawn all powers delegated to him.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.

Issued at Abuja this 9thday of August, 2019.”