By: Mandy Park
The Senate has expressed strong reservations over the appointment of Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey, a Cross River State indigene, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Senators cited concerns about the potential marginalization of host communities in sensitive political appointments.
The nomination is part of a list submitted by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), the administrator of Rivers State, who took office following a political crisis and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State Assembly .
The suspension was announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after a widely publicised political crisis between Fubara and his predecessor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Dr. Ekpai’s nomination, along with six others for RSIEC, was sent to the Senate last Thursday by the President. However, members of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers State, which is overseeing the screening, questioned the rationale behind appointing a non-Rivers indigene to head a critical state institution responsible for overseeing elections.
Presiding over the session, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who chairs the committee, said the panel would examine constitutional and legal provisions guiding appointments into state electoral bodies. “We must review the laws to ensure that such appointments align with the spirit and letter of the Nigerian Constitution and the laws governing Rivers State,” Bamidele said.
Several senators described the appointment as “provocative and unacceptable,” arguing that leadership of local institutions should reflect the identity and aspirations of host communities, particularly in a volatile political climate like Rivers.
In his defence, Dr. Ekpai, a retired senior official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with 35 years of service, maintained that there is no legal barrier to his appointment. “The law does not prohibit a non-indigene from leading a state electoral commission,” he argued. “In fact, my neutrality should be seen as an asset. I have no local affiliations that would compromise my fairness.”
He further assured the Senate of his commitment to due process, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to electoral timelines, adding that his track record with INEC demonstrates his capacity to oversee free and credible elections.
The full list of RSIEC nominees includes Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Prof. Arthur Nwafor, Prof. Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Prof. (Dame) Joyce Akaniwor, Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce, and Prof. Chidi Halliday as members.
In addition, the Senate screened appointees for two other commissions in Rivers State:
Rivers State Civil Service Commission:
Chairman: Dr. Barikor Livinus Baribuma
Members: Ambassador Lot Peter Egopija, Ms. Maeve Ere-Bestman, Mrs. Joy Obiaju, and Mrs. Charity Lloyd Harry.
Rivers State Local Government Service Commission:
Chairman: Mr. Israel N. Amadi
Members: Mr. Linus Nwandem, Lady Christabel Ego George-Didia, Dr. Tonye D. Willie Pepple, Barr. Richard U. Ewoh, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd), and Barrister Sammy Apiafi.
The Senate Committee is expected to conclude its review and submit a report to the full chamber in the coming days.