The confirmation of Michael Odey, an indigene of Cross River State, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission caused tensions and uproar in the Senate on Wednesday.
Several senators strongly objected to Odey’s confirmation, which came after the Ad-Hoc Committee on the Emergency Rule in Rivers State, led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, submitted a report.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), the leader of the opposition, questioned why a non-indigene was selected to preside over elections in a state that is politically unstable.
“Are there no people in Rivers anymore?”
“Let it be on record that I, Senator Abdul Ningi, stood against this decision,” he said.
Ningi was backed by Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South representative), who cautioned that choosing an outsider might not be the best option. “Rivers has qualified individuals. “This conveys the incorrect message,” he stated.
Concern was also voiced by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), who claimed that the state’s current political circumstances required delicate treatment.
Other senators, on the other hand, defended the appointment, saying it was legal.
Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) stated that any Nigerian could serve in any state.
“I can be governor of Benue if the people elect me,” he said.
Jibrin Barau, the deputy president of the Senate, went on to say that similar appointments have taken place in other states without any issues.
Bamidele explained that six of the seven RSIEC nominees were Rivers indigenous, and Odey complied with all legal and constitutional requirements.
He claimed that Odey was appointed to maintain objectivity in a contentious political environment.
The Senate eventually confirmed Odey by voice vote, along with six other members of the RSIEC, namely Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Professor Arthur Nwafor, Professor Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Professor Joyce Akaniwor, Dr Olive Bruce, and Professor Chidi Halliday.
