Nominee for Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Michael Ekpai, faced eligibility concerns due to his state of origin.
The Nominee appeared before the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers State for screening but encountered tough questions about his legitimacy to head the commission, given that he hails from Cross River State.
Senators raised the issue of whether an individual from another state can be appointed as the head of a state electoral commission.
In response, the nominee Ekpai admitted he is from Cross River but insisted that no law bars a non-indigene from serving as Chairman of a state electoral commission.
He argued that his lack of ties in Rivers State is, in fact, an advantage that would enable him to remain impartial.
He pledged to uphold the law, respect electoral timelines, and engage all stakeholders in the state’s democratic process.
Although the Senate Ad-hoc Committee expressed no concerns about his professional credentials, it said it will review the legal provisions governing such appointments to ensure compliance with both the Nigerian Constitution and the laws of Rivers State.
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Senators expressed the need for clarity to ensure the appointment does not conflict with any legal stipulations regarding the indigeneship requirement for such roles.
The Nominee, a retired staff member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said he served for 35 years at INEC, conducted multiple elections, and maintained a record of integrity and adherence to due process throughout his career.
President Bola Tinubu last Thursday submitted Ekpai ‘s name alongside six others for Senate confirmation.
(Editor: Oloyede Oworu)
