The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Cross River state Dr. Frankland Briyai, has been sacked by the Independent and Electoral Commission (INEC) for using its premises to declare his political ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dr. Briyai had declared his interest in contesting for Bayelsa State Governorship seat scheduled for November on Thursday August 8.
He made the announcement of joining the APC at INEC’s Cross River State office in Calabar.
However reacting to the development, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the commission’s Information and Voter Education Committee Festus Okoye, announced Dr. Briyai’s sack in a statement on Friday August 9.
“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 Briyai of his duties as a Resident Electoral Commissioner and withdrawn all powers delegated to him.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”, the commission said.
