..Lawmakers raise alarm over non-indigene nomination
…Say Rivers laws must guide appointment, not federal politics
…Tension deepens over political control of Rivers under emergency rule
The Senate has moved to suspend President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Mr Michael Ekpai as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), citing unresolved legal questions surrounding his eligibility under state law.
Mr Ekpai, a retired senior official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), appeared before the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Rivers State Emergency Rule for screening on Tuesday. However, his nomination immediately sparked controversy.
Senators raised objections over the fact that Mr Ekpai is originally from Cross River State rather than Rivers, prompting constitutional concerns about whether someone who is not an indigene can lawfully lead a state electoral body.
“There is no law that prohibits a non-indigene from serving as Chairman of a state electoral commission,” Mr Ekpai argued in his defence. He maintained that his background would allow him to approach the role with neutrality and without political bias.
Despite acknowledging his 35-year career at INEC and his commitment to maintaining electoral timelines and integrity, the Senate committee decided to place the screening on hold.
Lawmakers stated that they needed time to examine the relevant constitutional and legal provisions governing such appointments in Rivers State.
“We must thoroughly examine the legal frameworks that regulate these appointments to ensure they align with the Nigerian Constitution and the specific laws of Rivers State,” a committee member said during the proceedings.
The decision comes amid an ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, where President Tinubu recently declared an emergency rule and appointed Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, also from Cross River, as administrator, following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara after a protracted conflict with former Governor Nyesom Wike.
Critics have condemned the spate of appointments involving individuals from outside the state, arguing that it raises serious concerns about undue federal influence in state governance.
Mr Ekpai’s nomination has further intensified these concerns, fuelling fears that the state’s political institutions are being overridden under the guise of emergency rule.
President Tinubu submitted Mr Ekpai’s name alongside six other nominees to the Senate for screening on Democracy Day, 12 June 2025.
The Senate has yet to announce a new date for the continuation of the screening process.
