Society Gists

Frankland Briyai, resident electoral commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Cross River, has resigned his appointment to contest the November 16 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa state.

Briyai, a native of Bayelsa, had announced in June that he might contest in the election due to “pressure” from his people.

Briyai announced his resignation and made his intentions known on Thursday while addressing journalists at the INEC headquarters in Calabar, Cross River capital.

He disclosed that he would be contesting the election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“On Saturday, the 21st of July, 2019, a mammoth crowd of Bayelsans held a peaceful rally in Yenagoa, calling my humble self to contest the November 16, 2019 gubernatorial election,” Briyai said.

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“I was called upon by my people; my people believe in my ability and capacity to lead. They are impressed and also believe that I have what it takes to take Bayelsa and its people to a higher ground and next level.

“They understand that I can bring back the lost glory of the state; I have to answer the clarion call by resigning today the 8th of August so that I can formerly go back to Bayelsa and register as a party member.

“I am progressive. I believe in being pragmatic and proactive and I want to contest for the governorship position under APC in Bayelsa state. The people of Bayelsa are more interested in the integrity and character of the person. My people have grown and they are now after men with credibility, with capacity.

“All politicians are not dirty; there are still many honest person involved in politics. We have a master plan that will ensure that all graduates who are from Bayelsa become gainfully employed.

“Youth restiveness will become a thing of the past; we will take young people off the streets. We have plans for agriculture, ICT and other skill and profession and a lot more. We urge the youths to eschew violence and thuggery. But when you eliminate idleness, restiveness will automatically stop.”

The development comes six days after Attahiru Jega, former INEC chairman, announced that he had joined the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).