The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), along with six others as commissioners. This confirmation clears the path for RSIEC to conduct the forthcoming local government elections set for August 9, 2025.
The confirmation took place during Tuesday’s plenary session following a rigorous screening of the nominees, whose names were submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Senate examined their credentials and assessed their fitness for the roles.
The newly confirmed RSIEC officials are:
Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey – Chairman
Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira – Member
Professor Arthur Nwafor – Member
Professor Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha – Member
Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaninwor – Member
Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce – Member
Professor Chidi Halliday – Member
Their appointment comes at a crucial time as RSIEC gears up to conduct free, fair, and credible elections following the Supreme Court’s annulment of the October 5, 2024, polls over breaches of the Electoral Act.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, congratulated the appointees and charged them to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.
“The RSIEC plays a vital role in safeguarding democracy at the grassroots level. We are confident that these individuals will rise to the occasion,” Akpabio said.