Senate kicks as Ibas Appoints Cross River Indigene as RSIEC Chairman in Rivers State

The Nigerian Senate has expressed concern over the appointment of Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey, an indigene of Cross River State, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

This issue came to the fore on Tuesday during the screening of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nominees for RSIEC, conducted by the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on the Emergency Rule in Rivers State.

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Majority Leader and Chair of the Ad-Hoc Committee, emphasized the need for a thorough review of the legal basis and precedent of such an appointment. He stated:

“Even if nothing in the law prohibits appointing someone from outside the state, we must ask ourselves whether this aligns with public expectations and legal spirit. This isn’t a matter to gloss over — it raises a significant constitutional and moral question.”

The issue follows President Tinubu’s June 12 communication to the Senate, nominating Dr. Odey as RSIEC Chairman, along with six other individuals as members of the Commission: Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Professor Arthur Nwafor, Professor Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaniwor, Dr. Olive A. Bruce, and Professor Chidi Halliday.

Notably, Vice Admiral Ibas, the current Sole Administrator of Rivers State who made the initial appointment of Dr. Odey, also hails from Cross River State a detail that has fueled further scrutiny.

Senator Bamidele reiterated that the appointment raises broader implications about eligibility, legal interpretation, and the integrity of state institutions:

“RSIEC is a state organ. Unlike INEC, which serves the entire federation, RSIEC must reflect and respect the will and identity of its host state. We need to assess whether such cross-state appointments can or should be normalized.”

During the screening, Dr. Odey defended his nomination, stating that the RSIEC law does not explicitly prohibit the appointment of non-indigenes:

“I have reviewed the enabling law of RSIEC, and there’s no clause that disqualifies an individual from outside Rivers State from being appointed as Chairman. I believe the focus should be on integrity, not geography.”

Pressed further on his impartiality, Dr. Odey assured lawmakers of his neutrality in handling local government elections in the state:

“I do not know any political actors in Rivers State who can influence me. I intend to follow the law, maintain strict neutrality, and adhere to procedures and timelines.”

Addressing concerns about the credibility of state electoral commissions in Nigeria which many critics argue are tools of state governors Dr. Odey acknowledged the perception but advocated for reforms, not abolition:

“This debate touches on the essence of federalism. Rather than scrap state electoral commissions, we should enhance their independence. As Chairman, my priority will be transparency and stakeholder engagement. An inclusive process earns public trust and protects the integrity of outcomes.”

The Senate also continued the screening of nominees for other key positions in Rivers State institutions. Those undergoing confirmation for the Rivers State Civil Service Commission include:

• Dr. Livinus Bariki – Chairman
• Amb. Lot Peter Egopija – Member
• Mrs. Maeve Ere Bestman – Member
• Mrs. Joy Obiaju – Member
• Mrs. Charity Lloyd Harry – Member

For the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, the nominees are:

• Mr. Israel N. Amadi – Chairman
• Mr. Linus Nwandem – Member
• Lady Christabel Ego George Didia – Member
• Dr. Tonye Willie D. Pepple – Member
• Barr. Richard Ewoh – Member
• Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd) – Member
• Dr. Sammy Apiafi – Member

The Senate committee is expected to conclude its screening and submit its report for deliberation at plenary next week.