The Senate Adhoc Committee on the Emergency Rule in Rivers State has initiated the screening process for nominees to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), with a significant point of debate arising regarding the nomination of Michael Odey as the chairman of the electoral body.
Odey, who is originally from Cross River State, faced scrutiny from the panel led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, particularly concerning his status as a non-indigene, given that he comes from the same state as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok Ekwe Ibas.
In defense of his eligibility, Odey asserted that his nomination does not violate any provisions outlined in the RSIEC enabling law.
“With the utmost respect, I have reviewed the RSIEC’s enabling law, and there is no clause that prevents the appointment of an individual from outside the state as the chairman of the electoral management body,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Senator Bamidele voiced his concerns, indicating that even if the law does not explicitly address the issue, the ramifications of appointing someone from outside the state warrant careful consideration.
He remarked, “We also have access to the law, so please provide it to the committee because, in my view, the Independent National Electoral Commission pertains to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. When we refer to the State Independent Electoral Commission, it specifically relates to that state.”
The Senate Leader further noted that the nomination raises essential questions regarding public perception and legal precedent.
“This is not an issue we can simply overlook. It must be something we can justify. Even if the law does not forbid such an appointment, we must ensure it does not conflict with public conscience,” the lawmaker emphasized.
He stated that the committee would reassess the eligibility criteria under the RSIEC law to ascertain whether such an appointment could establish a viable precedent for the future.
Additional candidates considered for membership in the commission were Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Arthur Nwafor, Godfrey Mbudiogha, Joyce Akaniwor, Olive A. Bruce, and Chidi Halliday.
