The Nigerian Senate has raised strong concerns over the appointment of Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey, an indigene of Cross River State, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The issue came up during a screening exercise on Tuesday by the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on the Emergency Rule in Rivers State. The committee is reviewing President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for RSIEC as well as appointees for other state commissions in Rivers.
Dr. Odey’s nomination sparked debate, with the committee chairman and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), questioning the decision to appoint someone from another state to head an electoral body meant to serve a specific state.
“This is not something we can overlook,” Bamidele said. “We need to examine whether this sets a dangerous precedent and whether the law allows it. Even if it does, we must ask if it aligns with public expectations and integrity.”
Dr. Odey defended his nomination, insisting that the RSIEC law does not restrict appointments to indigenes of Rivers State. However, when asked if he had a copy of the law, he admitted he did not, though he claimed to have read it previously.
He further argued that his non-indigene status would help ensure neutrality in conducting local government elections in Rivers. “I don’t know anyone who will influence me. I will follow the rules and remain impartial,” he said.
Odey also spoke on the integrity of state electoral commissions, admitting public distrust exists due to perceived political interference by state governors. He called for transparency and stakeholder involvement to improve credibility.
The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), who appointed Dr. Odey, is also from Cross River State — a detail that has added to the controversy.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had earlier referred the nominee list, which includes seven persons for RSIEC, to the committee for detailed scrutiny. The report is expected back in plenary in two weeks.
Meanwhile, the Senate is also screening nominees for Rivers State’s Civil Service Commission and Local Government Service Commission, with final decisions expected next week.
