ABUJA, Nigeria – The Senate on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, confirmed Michael Odey, a native of Cross River State, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), despite vocal opposition from two senators who questioned the propriety of appointing a non-indigene to oversee local elections in another state.
The confirmation followed the presentation of a report by Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who chaired the ad hoc committee on the emergency administration in Rivers State.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) raised objections, referencing constitutional concerns and the principle of regional representation.
“My observation is in regard to Clause 311,” Ningi said during the debate.
“I have personally approached the Senate leader as to the propriety or otherwise of bringing in someone from another state to chair a local election body.”
He acknowledged that the committee had received Supreme Court judgments supporting the legality of such appointments but maintained his stance on the issue.
“Let it be on record that myself, Sir Abdul Ningi, object and observe that if this thing becomes the norm, it is not going to do well going forward,” he said.
“I do not see any logical reason why a Rivers man would not chair this electoral commission.”
Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) also echoed these concerns.
“Let it be on record that I, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, am not against the appointment of whoever you recommended,” he said.
“But under the current circumstances… we should not, as a Senate, just approve or think that what is being done is not against the constitution.”
Ndume cited Section 14.3 of the Nigerian Constitution, which deals with federal character, and called for appointments that also reflect “conscience” and political sensitivity.
“Please, please. I beg you in the name of God, because the history will be there,” he warned.
Responding to the dissent, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, dismissed the objections as political.
He referenced the case of Benson Ojeikere, an Edo State indigene currently serving as Head of Service in Abia State, to support the argument for cross-regional appointments.
Despite the protests, Odey was confirmed after a voice vote, solidifying his appointment as head of the electoral body tasked with supervising future local government elections in Rivers State.
Odey’s nomination had already faced scrutiny during his appearance before the ad hoc committee on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, where lawmakers questioned the legal and administrative basis for appointing someone from outside Rivers State to head its electoral commission.
