June 18, (THEWILL) – The Senate has raised concerns over the appointment of Dr Michael Ekpai Odey, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, to head the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
President Bola Tinubu last Thursday, submitted Ekpai’s name along with six others, including Mr Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Professor Arthur Nwafor, Professor Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaniwor, Dr Olive A. Bruce, and Professor Chidi Halliday, for confirmation as members of RSIEC.
But during screening on Tuesday, senators voiced discontent over what they described as an apparent marginalisation of Rivers indigenes in the composition of their state electoral body, adding that it is “provocative” and “unacceptable” for local institutions to be led by people who do not understand the culture, dynamics, and sensitivities of the host communities.
The Chairman of Ad-hoc Senate Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers State, who is also the leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, questioned the rationale behind the appointment of Ekpai.
Opeyemi said the committee would be examining the constitutional provisions on Ekpai’s eligibility.
“We must review the legal provisions guiding such appointments to ensure compliance with the Nigerian Constitution and the laws of Rivers State”, he said.
Speaking in his defence, Ekpai affirmed he is a native of Cross River State, while stressing that his non-indigene status does not disqualify him from doing the job.
“There is no law that bars a non-indigene from serving as Chairman of a state electoral commission”, he said, adding that his status should not be viewed as a disadvantage.
“My impartiality is guaranteed because I have no affiliations in Rivers State. I will be fair and neutral”, he added.
Pledging to uphold the law, adhere to electoral timelines, and ensure broad stakeholder engagement in the state’s electoral process, Ekpai said he “served for 35 years at INEC, conducted multiple elections, and maintained a record of integrity and adherence to due process.”
The screening exercise continues on Wednesday.
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