Tensions flared in the Senate as lawmakers raised eyebrows over the nomination of Michael Odey, a Cross River native, to chair the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
His selection has left lawmakers questioning the logic and legality of appointing someone from outside the state to head a sensitive local electoral body.
Odey’s nomination comes amid an already tense political atmosphere in Rivers State, where the current Sole Administrator, Ibok Ekwe Ibas, is also from Cross River.
This has deepened concerns over state representation and respect for federal principles.
Many now believe the trend undermines the essence of local governance and has thrown up what some senators call a “ridiculous precedent.”
The nomination, while not openly breaching any section of the RSIEC enabling law, has still triggered sharp reactions.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who chairs the screening committee, did not hide his disapproval.
“We have the law in our possession, so please provide it to the committee,” he said, urging Odey to clarify the legal ground for such an appointment.
“In my opinion, while the Independent National Electoral Commission serves the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria, a State Independent Electoral Commission is specifically about that state.”
Bamidele stressed that this issue must not be taken lightly.
“This is not an issue we can overlook. It must be something we can defend,” he said, adding that even if not legally wrong, it still goes “against public conscience.”
Meanwhile, Michael Odey remained firm in his defense.
Speaking before the panel, he explained, “With utmost respect, I have reviewed the RSIEC’s enabling law, and there is nothing that prohibits the appointment of someone from outside the state as chairman of the electoral management body.”
His comments, however, did little to ease concerns over public perception and local identity.
The Senate has vowed to reassess the eligibility provisions of the RSIEC law.
According to Bamidele, the move is necessary to uphold democratic values and protect local representation.
“We have to ensure that it does not go against public conscience,” he added.
In addition to Odey, other nominees screened for the RSIEC commission include Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Arthur Nwafor, Godfrey Mbudiogha, Joyce Akaniwor, Olive A. Bruce, and Chidi Halliday. Their names, however, have not drawn similar controversy.
Politics will never cease to amaze but wait there’s river from where he came from na; it’s just that he crossed the river