Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Despite strong opposition against the nomination of Dr Michael Ekpai from Cross River State as the Chairman of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, the Senate, Wednesday, confirmed his nomination by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
Public condemnation had trailed Ekpai’s nomination, with the critics alleging that it is a ploy to hijack the state’s electoral body.
Those opposed to the nomination say it is suspicious to appoint a non-indigene to head such a sensitive position in another state.
Odey’s confirmation followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers State, chaired by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).
The session became rowdy when Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) raised concerns about appointing a non-Rivers indigene to head RSIEC.
Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), backed Ningi, describing the appointment a continuation of a worrying trend of sidelining local voices in critical governance structures.
He said: “Bringing in yet another outsider, especially in a politically sensitive role like RSIEC chairman, breaches ethical considerations and erodes public trust,” Moro said.
Supporting the opposition, Senator Ali Ndume said the appointment, violated the federal character principle.
“We must carry the people along. There are qualified individuals within Rivers State, and appointing from outside sends the wrong signal,” Ndume argued.
But defending the nomination, Senate Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) insisted that the appointment was constitutionally valid.
“Of the seven RSIEC nominees, six are indigenes of Rivers State. Dr. Odey’s inclusion was deliberate—to ensure neutrality and public confidence,” Bamidele explained.
Meanwhile, despite the protests, the Senate confirmed the nomination.
Below is a full List of members of the board:
Chairman: Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey
Members: Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Prof. Arthur Nwafor, Prof. Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Prof. Joyce Akaniwor, Dr. Olive A. Bruce, Prof. Chidi Halliday.
