Senate confirms non-indigene Rivers electoral chairman amidst protests

By Haruna Salami

Amidst protests on Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Michael Odey, an indigene of Cross River State as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

 Senate approved Odey’s appointment following the submission of a report by the Ad-Hoc Committee on the Emergency Rule in Rivers State, led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

 The senators who protested the choice, said it was politically insensitive to appoint a non-indigene to oversee elections in a state already under emergency rule.

 Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) led the objections, questioning why a Rivers indigene was not appointed instead. “Are there no people in Rivers anymore?” he asked. “Let it be on record that I, Senator Abdul Ningi, stood against this decision.”

 He was supported by Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), 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 Barau Jibrin who presided added that similar appointments had occurred in other states without issue.

 century old Nigeria Customs Service due to the reforms embarked upon by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration and the Controller General of the NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

“We commend the present administration for these landmark achievements and call for further reforms to enhance revenue generation by the various collecting agencies. This, indeed, is highly commendable.”