Tensions flared in the Senate on Wednesday as lawmakers clashed over the confirmation of Michael Odey, a Cross River State indigene, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
Odey’s confirmation, which followed the submission of a report by the Ad-Hoc Committee on the Emergency Rule in Rivers State, chaired by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, drew strong objections from several senators.
Leading the opposition, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) questioned why a non-indigene was chosen to oversee elections in a politically volatile state.
“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.
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