Tensions flared in the Senate on Wednesday as lawmakers clashed over the confirmation of Michael Odey, a Cross River State indigene, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
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Odey’s confirmation, which followed the submission of a report by the Ad-Hoc Committee on the Emergency Rule in Rivers State, chaired by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, drew strong objections from several senators.
Leading the opposition, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) questioned why a non-indigene was chosen to oversee elections in a politically volatile state.
“Are there no people in Rivers anymore?”
“Let it be on record that I, Senator Abdul Ningi, stood against this decision,” he said.
Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) supported Ningi, warning that appointing an outsider could alienate the local population. “There are qualified people in Rivers. This sends the wrong message,” he said.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) also expressed concern, saying the state needed sensitive handling due to its current political situation.
However, other senators defended the appointment, arguing that it was within legal bounds.
Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) said any Nigerian could serve in any state.
“I can be governor of Benue if the people elect me,” he said.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau added that such appointments had occurred in other states without controversy.
Bamidele clarified that Odey met all legal and constitutional requirements and that six of the seven RSIEC nominees were Rivers indigenes.
He said Odey’s appointment was to ensure neutrality in a politically tense atmosphere.
The Senate eventually confirmed Odey by voice vote, along with six other members of the RSIEC, namely Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Professor Arthur Nwafor, Professor Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Professor Joyce Akaniwor, Dr Olive Bruce, and Professor Chidi Halliday.
The Senate also confirmed members of the Rivers State Local Government Civil Service Commission and the Primary Healthcare Management Board.
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