There was uproar in the Senate on Wednesday over the confirmation of Michael Odey from Cross River State as the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

Despite strong opposition from several lawmakers, the 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.

Many senators protested the choice, saying 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? Let it be on record that I, Senator Abdul Ningi, stood against this decision,” he said.

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

Bamidele clarified that Odey met all legal and constitutional requirements and that six of the seven RSIEC nominees were Rivers indigenes.

He said Odey’s appointment was to ensure neutrality in a politically tense atmosphere.

The Senate eventually confirmed Odey by voice vote, along with six other members of the RSIEC, namely Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Prof Arthur Nwafor, Prof Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Prof Joyce Akaniwor, Dr Olive Bruce, and Prof Chidi Halliday.

The Senate also confirmed members of the Rivers State Local Government Civil Service Commission and the Primary Healthcare Management Board.

Despite the confirmations, some senators warned that the Federal Government’s recent actions in Rivers could be seen as politically motivated interference.