ABUJA: The Senate on Wednesday approved the appointment of a Cross River indigene, Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

This is coming amid resistance by Senators from opposition political parties.

Leading the opposition, the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) raised concerns on the appointment of another non-indigene to head the state electoral body, after the appointment of Ibas, a non-indigene as head of government in the state.

But Senator Abba Moro`s position was turned down by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibril Barau who presided over plenary.

Barau while opposing the minority leader`s position cautioned against the politicisation of the matter, as he reminded lawmakers on the need to promote merit over origin of the appointees.

He also reminded the House that in line with enhancing merit, the Abia State government appointed an Edo born Nigerian as its Head of Service.

Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey was nominated along six others by the state Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (also from Cross River) to head the state electoral body.

Recall, President Bola Tinubu in March appointed Ibas as sole administrator of Rivers, to hold place following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, and the suspension of democratic structures for six months.

The Senate also approved the appointment of Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Professor (Dr.) Arthur Nwafor, Professor Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, and Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaniwor as members of the Rivers State Electoral Commission.

Others are Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce and Professor Chidi Halliday .

Similarly, the Chamber approved the appointment of five (5) nominees as the Chairman and members of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission.

Those appointed are; Dr. Barikor Livinus Baribuma (Chairman), and members – Ambassador Lot Peter Egopija, Ms. Maeve Ere-Bestman, Mrs. Joy Obiaju, and Mrs. Charity Lloyd Harry.

Meanwhile, Mr. Israel N. Amadi (Chairman), and members; Mr. Linus Nwandem, Lady Christabel Ego George-Didia, Dr. Tonye D. Willie Pepple, Barr. Richard U. Ewoh, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd) and Barrister Sammy Apiafi as members of the River State Local Government Commission.