SENATE RAISES CONSTITUTIONAL CONCERN OVER RSIEC NOMINEE’S STATE OF ORIGIN

The Senate ad hoc committee overseeing the emergency rule in Rivers State has flagged the eligibility of Dr. Michael Odey, one of President Bola Tinubu’s nominees to chair the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), citing concerns over his state of origin.
During a screening session led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who also chairs the emergency rule oversight committee, lawmakers questioned Odey’s nomination based on the fact that he hails from Cross River State—not Rivers. Senators expressed concerns that his appointment could breach federal character principles and constitutional provisions governing the composition of state electoral bodies.
The Senate committee emphasized that while Odey may have professional qualifications, his lack of indigenous status in Rivers State could disqualify him from overseeing a commission responsible for conducting elections in the state. The panel noted that such an appointment could further inflame political tensions in Rivers, where the emergency administration remains a contentious issue.
The Senate is expected to deliberate further on the committee’s findings and may recommend a review or replacement of Odey’s nomination in line with constitutional compliance and local sensitivities.