Nigerian Senate Challenges Nomination of Outsider as Rivers REC Chairman

Tensions have flared around the appointment of Michael Odey as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), sparking debates due to his non-indigene status. Hailing from Cross River State, Odey’s selection has raised eyebrows over whether someone from outside Rivers is fit to lead its electoral body.

The issue has drawn even more scrutiny as Rivers State’s current Sole Administrator, Ibok Ekwe Ibas, also hails from Cross River, deepening concerns about external influence in the state’s political structures.

Defending his nomination, Odey insisted there are no legal grounds for disqualification. “With the greatest respect, I’ve thoroughly reviewed RSIEC’s enabling legislation, and found nothing that bars a non-indigene from chairing the commission,” he told the screening panel.

However, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, chairing the screening committee, voiced reservations about the potential fallout. He emphasized that while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) operates on a national scale, RSIEC is meant to reflect and serve the unique interests of Rivers State.

Bamidele pressed for the relevant sections of the law to be provided, warning that even in the absence of a legal ban, the move may clash with public expectations, established legal principles, and political norms. “This is not something we can casually dismiss. Even if it’s lawful, we must ask can we justify it to the people? Does it align with the spirit of federalism?”

He further hinted at a possible review of RSIEC’s legal framework to ensure future appointments reflect local representation and uphold the ideals of decentralized governance.

Other individuals screened for RSIEC roles include Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Arthur Nwafor, Godfrey Mbudiogha, Joyce Akaniwor, Olive A. Bruce, and Chidi Halliday.