Senate confirms non-indigene as Rivers electoral commission chair amid protests

The Senate, on Wednesday, confirmed the appointment of Michael Odey, a non-indigene from Cross River State, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), despite strong objections from some lawmakers and heated debate on the floor of the Chamber.

The confirmation followed the presentation and consideration of a report by the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on the Emergency Rule in Rivers State, chaired by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.

The appointment of Odey, who hails from the same State as the Sole Administrator of Rivers, Ibok Ekwe Ibas, sparked protests from senators, who argued that the move was politically insensitive and disregarded local sentiment.

Ibas when he appeared before the Adhoc Committee last week for screening, explained that no law disqualified him from holding the position.

He said, “With utmost respect, I have gone through the RSIEC’s enabling law, and there is nothing that precludes the appointment of a non-indigene as chairman.”

Abdul Ningi (PDP Senator, Bauchi Central) was the first to voice his disapproval, describing the appointment as an error that undermined the sensibilities of the people of Rivers State.

“Are there no people in Rivers anymore? Why is this necessary?” he asked.

“Let it be on record that I, Senator Abdul Ningi, stood against this decision, even if it will not stop the confirmation.”

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Ali Ndume (APC Senator, Borno South) echoed Ningi’s concerns, stressing the importance of local representation in such a politically sensitive role.

“Yes, it may not be unconstitutional, but we must carry the people along. There are qualified individuals within Rivers State, and appointing from outside sends the wrong signal,” he said.

Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), also opposed the nomination, noting that the State was already under emergency rule and required delicate handling.

“The earlier appointment of a sole administrator who is not from Rivers already raised concerns. This second appointment deepens the perception of insensitivity,” he said.

Despite the outcry, some lawmakers defended the appointment, citing constitutional backing.

Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), argued that any qualified Nigerian can be appointed to serve in any part of the country.

“I can even serve as the governor of Benue State if the people elect me,” Monguno said, referencing the constitutional guarantee of equal rights for all Nigerians.

Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, backed the appointment, citing a similar instance in Abia State where the Head of Service hails from Edo.

“This is all politics. No law was breached,” he said.

Bamidele, in his remarks, urged calm, stressing that the nominee met all constitutional and legal requirements.

“The Constitution is clear. Eligibility and disqualification are the key considerations. The nominee has met the eligibility criteria and is not disqualified by any law,” he explained.

He added that out of the seven RSIEC nominees, six are from Rivers, noting that Odey’s appointment as chairman was intended to ensure neutrality in a politically charged environment.

“The Committee considered both constitutional and judicial precedents. There is no provision in the RSIEC law or the Constitution that requires the chairman to be a registered voter or resident of Rivers State.

“We consulted stakeholders and reviewed relevant court rulings which support the legality of this appointment”, he said.

When the matter was eventually put to a voice vote, the Senate confirmed Odey as chairman, alongside six other members: Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Arthur Nwafor, Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Joyce Akaniwor, Olive A. Bruce, and Chidi Halliday.

In addition to the RSIEC confirmation, the Senate also approved the nominations for the Rivers State Local Government Civil Service Commission and the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board.

Despite the confirmation, discontent lingered among some senators who viewed the developments in Rivers as a broader pattern of political manipulation under the guise of emergency governance.