Nigerian Senate confirms Michael Odey as RSIEC chairman despite fierce objections over federal character and political ethics under emergency rule in Rivers
Senate confirms Cross River nominee Michael Odey as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) following a stormy session on Wednesday, 25 June 2025.
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The confirmation came despite strong opposition from lawmakers concerned about federal character, institutional trust, and the political implications of emergency rule in Rivers State.
The nominations, submitted by President Bola Tinubu and reviewed by an 18-member ad-hoc committee led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, sparked sharp debate.
While six nominees are natives of Rivers, Odey’s nomination as Chair triggered questions about the appropriateness of appointing a non-indigene to lead a state electoral body.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) voiced the first objection, highlighting the ethical and symbolic weight of such a decision.
“I do not see any logical reason why a Rivers man cannot chair this Electoral Commission,” he said, warning that the trend could undermine local trust.
Supporting the concern, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) called for conscience and political sensitivity.
“If today you decide to interview 100 to 1000 qualified people from Rivers State for this position, you will get it,” he argued.
“Please and please! I beg you in the name of God because history will be there.”
Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) raised issues around balance, especially under the emergency governance structure in Rivers.
“Six people from Rivers can serve on the electoral committee, what stops the seventh from being a Rivers indigene?” he asked, questioning the neutrality and optics of installing two Cross River natives in top positions in a politically tense state.
But Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) firmly defended the legality.
“Any Nigerian is free to take up appointments anywhere. We are not talking about morality or public opinion. We are talking about the Constitution,” he insisted.
Senate Leader Bamidele supported the confirmation, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution and judicial precedence.
“The nominee is well qualified and holds a PhD. We needed neutrality, and only the Chairmanship is from Cross River,” he clarified.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin echoed the sentiment, pointing out existing interstate appointments elsewhere.
“The Head of Service in Abia State is from Edo State. But when APC promotes neutrality, you attack it,” he said before calling for the voice vote.
The Senate then dissolved into the Committee of the Whole and, through a majority voice vote, confirmed Odey alongside Lezaasi Torbira, Arthur Nwafor, Godfrey Mbudiogha, Joyce Akaniwor, Olive Bruce, and Chidi Halliday.
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While the appointment of the new RSIEC leadership now stands, the fierce plenary underscored deepening concerns over constitutional interpretation, political fairness, and federal unity in the midst of emergency rule.
