The Senate has approved the appointment of Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey as the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The approval was announced during the Senate plenary session on Wednesday.
Dr. Michael Odey is a Cross Rivers State indigene.
The approval was resisted 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 politicization 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.
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 .
