Senate queries appointment of Akwa Ibom Indigene to head Rivers Electoral Commission
Senate queries appointment of Akwa Ibom Indigene to head Rivers Electoral Commission
By Idun Maximus
The Senate has raised concerns over the appointment of Dr Micheal Ekpai Odey who hails from Akwa Ibom State, to head the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The Adhoc Senate Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers State questioned the rationale behind the selection process for such a sensitive institution yesterday during the screening of the appointee of the military administrator of the State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) at the National Assembly.
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 will 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.
