THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sacked its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Cross River State, Frankland Briyai, on the ground of breaching the code of conduct while declaring his political ambition.

Briyai who was the electoral commission boss at Cross River State had declared on Thursday, August 8, his ambition to contest in the upcoming Bayelsa state governorship election, prior to the announcement of his resignation. The gubernatorial poll would be conducted by INEC on November 16.

While at the commission’s office in Calabar, he declared that he would contest the election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

After Briyai made his position known to journalists at his office on Thursday, he announced his resignation from INEC job.

However,  a statement signed by Festus Okoye chairman of information and voter education committee for INEC claimed that the Commission was yet to receive Briyai’s resignation letter.

“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 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,” the statement read in part.

INEC also frowned at the use of the commission’s premises and facilities for his political pursuit.

It described Briyai act as “unlawful and contrary to the Code of Conduct subscribed to by all INEC officials”.

As a result of not tendering an official letter to relay his resignation, the electoral umpire, thereby, sacked him from his duties, withdrawing all powers delegated to him. It directed the Administrative Secretary of the State office to oversee the office and take over the functions and duties of the REC until further notice.