Tempers ran high on the Senate floor Wednesday as lawmakers engaged in a heated debate over the confirmation of Michael Odey, a Cross River State indigene, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The controversy erupted during the presentation of a report by the Ad-Hoc Committee on the Emergency Rule in Rivers State, led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. The committee recommended Odey’s confirmation, but the move drew immediate backlash from several senators who questioned the appropriateness of appointing a non-indigene to oversee sensitive electoral matters in a politically volatile state.
“Are there no people in Rivers anymore?” asked Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), who led the opposition. “Let it be on record that I, Senator Abdul Ningi, stood against this decision.”
Backing him, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) argued that the appointment could deepen local tensions. “There are qualified people in Rivers. This sends the wrong message,” he warned.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) also weighed in, stressing the importance of handling the situation with care given the state’s ongoing political crisis.
However, other lawmakers defended the decision, maintaining that the appointment was both legal and constitutional. Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) argued that nationality, not state of origin, should determine eligibility.
“I can be governor of Benue if the people elect me,” Monguno said.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau added that similar appointments had occurred in other states without causing controversy.
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Clarifying the committee’s position, Bamidele explained that Odey’s nomination aimed to ensure neutrality amid heightened political tension in Rivers State. He noted that six of the seven RSIEC nominees are indigenes of Rivers.
“Odey met all legal and constitutional requirements,” Bamidele said, emphasizing that his selection was designed to promote impartiality.
Despite the dissent, the Senate confirmed Odey’s appointment through a voice vote, along with the other six RSIEC members: Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Professor Arthur Nwafor, Professor Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Professor Joyce Akaniwor, Dr. Olive Bruce, and Professor Chidi Halliday.
The Senate also confirmed members of the Rivers State Local Government Civil Service Commission and the Primary Healthcare Management Board.
The confirmation, however, is expected to continue stirring debate, particularly among stakeholders in Rivers State, as the political atmosphere remains charged.