Tensions flared in the Senate on Wednesday as lawmakers clashed over the confirmation of Michael Odey, a man from Cross River State, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The heated discussion came after the Senate received a report from an Ad-Hoc Committee on the Emergency Rule in Rivers State. The committee was led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who said Odey’s nomination followed all legal processes.
But this explanation did not settle the matter, as some senators strongly disagreed with the decision to allow someone who is not from Rivers State to lead the electoral commission there.
Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi Central (PDP) was one of the most vocal opponents. He openly questioned why a person from outside the state should be given such an important position in a place dealing with political tension.
“Are there no people in Rivers anymore?” he asked. He added, “Let it be on record that I, Senator Abdul Ningi, stood against this decision.”
Supporting him, Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South (APC) said choosing an outsider might make people in Rivers feel ignored. “There are qualified people in Rivers. This sends the wrong message,” he noted.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) also shared similar thoughts, saying Rivers State needed special attention due to its fragile political condition.
Still, not all lawmakers saw a problem with the appointment. Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) said every Nigerian had the right to serve in any state.
“I can be governor of Benue if the people elect me,” he said. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau also said that similar appointments had happened in the past without issues.
Senator Bamidele reminded the Senate that Odey fulfilled all legal and constitutional conditions. He also noted that six out of the seven nominees for the RSIEC were from Rivers, showing that the majority were locals. He said the aim was to maintain fairness during a tense political time.
In the end, the Senate confirmed Odey through a voice vote. Along with him, the Senate approved six other RSIEC members: Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Professor Arthur Nwafor, Professor Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Professor Joyce Akaniwor, Dr. Olive Bruce, and Professor Chidi Halliday.
They also gave confirmation to members of the Rivers State Local Government Civil Service Commission and the Primary Healthcare Management Board.
