Tensions ran high in the Senate on Wednesday as lawmakers clashed over the confirmation of Michael Odey, an indigene of Cross River State, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Odey’s confirmation came after the Senate received and considered the report of its Ad-Hoc Committee on the Emergency Rule in Rivers State, chaired by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. However, his nomination drew sharp opposition from several senators, who questioned the decision to appoint a non-indigene to head the electoral body of the politically volatile state.
Leading the protest, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) asked pointedly, “Are there no people in Rivers anymore?” He added, “Let it be on record that I, Senator Abdul Ningi, stood against this decision.”
Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) echoed similar concerns, warning that installing an outsider could provoke distrust among the local population. “There are qualified people in Rivers. This sends the wrong message,” he cautioned.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) also voiced unease, noting that Rivers State was experiencing a politically sensitive period. “This state needs careful, inclusive handling at this time,” he said.
However, some senators defended the appointment, maintaining that it was lawful and not without precedent.
Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) argued that Nigerian citizens could serve in any part of the country regardless of their state of origin. “I can be governor of Benue if the people elect me,” Monguno declared.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau supported that position, noting that similar appointments had been made in other states without generating such controversy.
Clarifying the rationale behind the appointment, Senator Bamidele explained that Michael Odey met all constitutional and legal criteria. He further noted that six of the seven RSIEC nominees were indigenes of Rivers State.
“Odey’s appointment was carefully considered to bring neutrality and balance to the RSIEC at a time of intense political tensions in Rivers,” Bamidele said.
Despite the objections, the Senate proceeded to confirm Odey by voice vote along with the six other members of the RSIEC: Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Professor Arthur Nwafor, Professor Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Professor Joyce Akaniwor, Dr. Olive Bruce, and Professor Chidi Halliday.
The Senate also gave approval to the nominees for the Rivers State Local Government Civil Service Commission and the Primary Healthcare Management Board.
