Authorities of the Independent National Electoral Commission has disengaged Dr. Frankland Briyai as its Resident Electoral Commissioner in Cross River State.

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The development according to a statement from the national commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye became necessary as Dr. Bruyai addressed the media on his resignation without due process.

Okoye said Dr. Bruyai’s resignation contravenes Section 306 subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which 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.

The statement said while  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 its facilities for any political purpose as this is unlawful and contrary to the Code of Conduct subscribed to by all its officials.

It said, following Dr. Bruyai’s declaration, the Commission has relieved him of his duties as a Resident Electoral Commissioner and withdrawn all powers delegated to him. 

The commission consequently, directed the Administrative Secretary of Cross River State to oversee the office and take over the functions and duties of the REC until further notice.

Dr. Bruyai had announced resignation of his appointment to enable him to contest the November 2019 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa state.END