The Chairman of Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), Pro. Mike Ushie, has resigned after Governor Bassey Out sought for his removal. The governor, yesterday, wrote to the Cross River State House of Assembly for approval to remove the chairman and members of the commission for what he described as cavalier work attitude, which led to the inability of the state government to conduct council elections.

The letter, whichh was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Owan Enoh, highlighted the Commission’s ineffectiveness, praying the legislature to act, pursuant to Section 201(1) – (2) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as altered), and pass an address to remove the chairman, as well as all the members of the commission.

After considering the request, the Speaker, Elvert Ayambem, referred the matter to the House Committee on Judiciary Public Service Matters, Public Petition and Conflict Resolution for in-depth study and recommendation.

However, in a letter titled, ‘Resignation of Appointment,’ Prof. Ushie noted that his decision to resign was to return to the university for further research work.

The letter reads: “I write to resign my appointment as Chairman of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC). This decision is to enable me to return to the university for further research work having served for over six years in that capacity.

May I use this opportunity to thank the governor and people of Cross River State for the privilege to serve, especially in delivering a peaceful local council election in 2020, the first post COVID-19 election in Nigeria with 100 per cent compliance with international safety protocols.”He, however, wished the governor well in the implementation of the ‘People First’ agenda of his administration. (The Guardian)