INEC withdraws C’River REC’s powers

TRACKING >>THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has withdrawn all powers and functions delegated to the Cross River Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Frankland Briyai.

Briyai on Thursday announced his resignation from his position to enable him participate in the forthcoming governorship election.

But the commission said it has no information to that effect from the REC.

INEC said the REC’ s resignation did not follow due process and thereby withdrew all powers delegated to him.

According to a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye , 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.

Read Also: JUST IN: INEC sacks Cross Rivers REC

The statement reads: “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.

“The commission strongly frowns at the RECs’ expression of partisan interest. We note that the constitution precludes National and Resident Electoral Commissioners from belonging to political parties. Also, the use of INEC’s premises and facilities for such declaration or for any political purpose is unlawful and contrary to the Code of Conduct subscribed to by all INEC officials.