The Nigerian Senate has expressed strong reservations over the nomination of Michael Odey, a non-indigene, as the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), sparking a debate on eligibility and public perception.
Odey, who hails from Cross River State, faced scrutiny from the Senate Adhoc Committee on the Emergency Rule in Rivers State during his screening session. The committee, led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, questioned the wisdom of appointing someone from outside the state to oversee its electoral processes.
“We are also in possession of the law, so make it available to the committee,” Bamidele said, demanding clarity on the legal basis of Odey’s appointment. “In my opinion, the Independent National Electoral Commission is about the Federal Republic of Nigeria. When we say State Independent Electoral Commission, it is about that state.”
He further added that even if there was no clear legal barrier, the Senate must ensure that such a nomination would not be “repugnant to public conscience.”
Michael Odey, however, defended his appointment, stating that the RSIEC enabling law does not prohibit the selection of a non-indigene as chairman. “With utmost respect, I have gone through the RSIEC’s enabling law, and there is nothing that precludes the appointment of anybody outside the state as chairman of the electoral management body,” he told the panel.
Odey also dismissed concerns of bias or conflict of interest, despite sharing a home state with the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok Ekwe Ibas. His defense, however, did little to calm the Senate’s doubts.
Senator Bamidele emphasized that the committee would not treat the matter lightly. “This is not a matter we are just going to gloss over. It has to be something we can defend,” he said, stressing the importance of precedent and the need for trust in public institutions.
The Senate Leader concluded that the committee would review the RSIEC law thoroughly to assess the implications of Odey’s nomination and determine whether such an appointment aligns with democratic values and the expectations of Rivers people.
“Even if the law does not prohibit such an appointment, we must ensure it is not repugnant to public conscience,” he reiterated.
Aside from Odey, several other nominees were screened for positions on the RSIEC board. They include Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Arthur Nwafor, Godfrey Mbudiogha, Joyce Akaniwor, Olive A. Bruce, and Chidi Halliday.
The Senate committee’s next steps are expected to be closely watched, as the debate raises broader questions about federal appointments in states and the role of local identity in democratic institutions.
Observers have noted that while Odey’s qualifications may not be in question, the symbolic and political implications of appointing a non-indigene to head a state electoral body could affect public trust in electoral outcomes.
As the screening process continues, the final decision by the Senate could set a new tone for state-level electoral appointments in Nigeria.
