The Senate Adhoc Committee overseeing the Emergency Rule in Rivers State has officially commenced the screening process for individuals nominated to serve on the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
However, the process was not without friction, as the committee found itself entangled in a heated discussion surrounding the nomination of Michael Odey as the proposed chairman of the electoral body.
Odey, who is from Cross River State, was questioned about his non-indigenous background, which has become a significant talking point, particularly given that the current Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok Ekwe Ibas, also hails from the same state.
This parallel has drawn attention from lawmakers and citizens alike, sparking concern over what some see as a concentration of power in the hands of individuals from outside the host state.
During his appearance before the panel, which is led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Odey defended his nomination by asserting that his selection does not violate any legal provisions contained in the RSIEC’s foundational framework.
According to him, the law does not place any restrictions on appointing a person who is not a native of Rivers State to lead the commission.
With measured confidence, Odey told the committee that he had examined the relevant statutes governing the electoral commission and could find no clause that barred someone from outside the state from assuming the role of chairman. His remarks were intended to assure the lawmakers of the legality of his nomination and to counter the rising concerns over his state of origin.
Nevertheless, Senator Bamidele expressed serious misgivings about the appointment. Although he acknowledged that the legal documents might not explicitly prohibit such an appointment, he emphasized that the broader implications must be considered.
He noted that the essence of a State Independent Electoral Commission lies in its identification with the people of that specific state, unlike the national electoral body which represents the entire country.
Bamidele remarked that while they, too, possess the enabling law and are familiar with its contents, the principle behind such an institution must not be lost in the technicalities of legislation.
He stressed that the nature of state electoral bodies inherently calls for appointments that reflect the identity and interests of the host state. Even if the law is silent on the issue, the Senate Leader said, public perception and potential legal precedence must not be taken lightly.
He further stated that the committee will undertake a more thorough review of the RSIEC law to determine whether Odey’s nomination aligns with the spirit and purpose of the institution. According to him, appointments to such sensitive positions should be defensible, both legally and morally, especially when public sentiment and trust are at stake.
As the screening continued, several other nominees were also presented to the committee for evaluation. While their sessions were relatively less controversial, Odey’s nomination remains a focal point of deliberation.
The Senate committee is expected to weigh both the legal and ethical dimensions of the issue before making its final recommendations.
What you should know
Michael Odey’s nomination as RSIEC chairman has stirred debate due to his origin from Cross River State. Though he claims the appointment doesn’t violate the RSIEC law, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele insists the committee must ensure it respects the spirit of state representation and public trust, even if the law does not expressly prohibit it.
