Tempers flared in the Senate on Wednesday following the confirmation of Dr Michael Odey, a non-indigene from Cross River State, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
His appointment, ratified along with six other members of the commission, was based on the report of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Oversight of Emergency Rule in Rivers State presented by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).
The confirmation triggered strong objections from several lawmakers who questioned the appropriateness of appointing a non-indigene to lead a state electoral body.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) raised concerns about the precedent being set, warning that such a move could have negative implications in the future.
“If it is allowed and becomes the norm, it will not be well for the country. I do not see the necessity of having someone from another state to chair an electoral body,” he said.
Backing this view, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) criticised the decision, noting that Rivers State had more than enough qualified indigenes for the role.
Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), the Senate Minority Leader, argued from an ethical standpoint, stating that although the nominee’s qualifications were not in doubt, the issue raised a moral dilemma.
“We are not objecting to the personality but the morality. This is unethical. We should not politicise this process,” he said.
However, defending the appointment, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), insisted that Odey’s confirmation was constitutionally sound.
“The constitution does not prohibit a non-indigene from being appointed to a state position. Any Nigerian is free to take up appointment anywhere,” Monguno argued.
Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele, while acknowledging the concerns, urged restraint, calling for a non-political interpretation of the development. He maintained that Odey, a PhD holder, was fully qualified and his non-indigenous status would foster neutrality within the commission.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, also defended the decision, noting that Nigeria’s constitution allows for cross-regional appointments. He cited the example of an Edo indigene serving as Head of Service in Abia State.
“This is purely political because the objection is coming from the APC,” Barau added.
In addition to confirming the RSIEC chairman and members — Mr Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Prof Author Nwafor, Prof Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha, Prof Joyce Akaninwor, Dr Olive A. Bruce, and Prof Chidi Halliday — the Senate also approved nominations into the Rivers State Civil Service Commission and Local Government Service Commission.
Dr Livinus Bariki was confirmed as Chairman of the Civil Service Commission alongside Ambassador Lot Peter Egopija, Mrs Maeve Ere Bestman, Mrs Joy Obiaju, and Mrs Charity Lloyd Harry.
Mr Israel N. Amadi was confirmed as Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission with Mr Linus Nwandem, Lady Christabel Ego, George Didia, Dr Tonye Willie D. Pepple, Barrister Richard Ewoh, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (rtd), and Dr Sammy Apiafi as members.