From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Senate has raised concerns over the appointment of Dr Michael Ekpai Odey, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, to head the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The Ad-hoc Senate Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers State questioned the rationale behind the selection process for such a sensitive institution yesterday at the National Assembly during the screening of the appointees of the military administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), for RSIEC, Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, and Rivers State Civil Service Commission.
Ibas took over the affairs of the state in March after Governor Siminalayi Fubara was suspended from office for six months alongside members of the state assembly. The suspension and subsequent appointment were announced by President Bola Tinubu following a public rift between Siminalayi and his predecessor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Last Thursday, Tinubu submitted Ekpai’s name along with six others for confirmation into key democratic institutions in the state.
But during the screening, senators voiced discontent over what they described as an apparent marginalisation of Rivers indigenes in the composition of their state electoral body, adding that it is “provocative” and “unacceptable” for local institutions to be led by people who do not understand the culture, dynamics, and sensitivities of the host communities.
While presiding over the exercise, the Chairman of the Committee, who is also the leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, said they would be examining the constitutional provisions on his eligibility. “We must review the legal provisions guiding such appointments to ensure compliance with the Nigerian Constitution and the laws of Rivers State,” he said.
Speaking in his defence, Ekpai affirmed he is a native of Cross River State, while stressing that his non-indigene status does not disqualify him from doing the job.
“There is no law that bars a non-indigene from serving as Chairman of a state electoral commission,” he stated.
He added that rather than view his status as a disadvantage, the senators should consider that his lack of local ties could serve as a strength, not a weakness. “My impartiality is guaranteed because I have no affiliations in Rivers State. I will be fair and neutral,” he told the committee.
Ekpai, who said he had “served for 35 years at INEC, conducted multiple elections, and maintained a record of integrity and adherence to due process,” pledged to uphold the law, adhere to electoral timelines, and ensure broad stakeholder engagement in the state’s electoral process.
Other appointees to RSIEC are Mr Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Professor Arthur Nwafor, Professor Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaniwor, Dr Olive A. Bruce, and Professor Chidi Halliday as members.
For the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Dr Barikor Livinus Baribuma has been appointed as Chairman, with Ambassador Lot Peter Egopija, Ms Maeve Ere-Bestman, Mrs Joy Obiaju, and Mrs Charity Lloyd Harry as members of the commission.
Similarly, for the Local Government Service Commission, Mr Israel N. Amadi is to serve as Chairman. Other nominees include Mr Linus Nwandem, Lady Christabel Ego George-Didia, Dr Tonye D. Willie Pepple, Barrister Richard U. Ewoh, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd), and Barrister Sammy Apiafi as members.
The screening exercise continues today.