Here’s what’s causing the uproar:
- Outsider Appointment: Michael Odey, from Cross River, now chairs RSIEC.
- State of Emergency Concerns: Lingering questions about the initial declaration.
- Erosion of Representation: Fears of Rivers people being sidelined in governance.
- Constitutional Questions: Concerns over the legality of non-indigenes heading state electoral bodies.
Rivers State in Uproar: Is Tinubu’s Administration Showing Disrespect?
In a no-holds-barred interview with ARISE NEWS, Nwibubasa didn’t mince words: “To us in Rivers State, it is an embarrassing moment. It is a complete show of disrespect to Rivers people by the President Tinubu’s administration.” He lamented what he sees as the marginalization of Rivers State, despite its significant contributions to Nigeria’s growth and stability.
The appointment has stirred the pot, especially since it coincides with the appointment of Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, also from Cross River State, as the sole administrator following a contentious state of emergency declaration. This double whammy has left many Rivers citizens feeling ignored and undermined.
The Plot Thickens: Senate Screening Sparks Controversy
The controversy initially blew up during a Senate committee screening when Odey’s state of origin came to light. This revelation immediately raised red flags, prompting accusations of constitutional violations and a blatant disregard for the rights of Rivers people to govern their own affairs.
Nwibubasa didn’t hold back on his assessment of the situation: “I am surprised that the state of emergency that was declared against all non-constitutional provision up till this day, three months after, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has not considered that despite wide condemnations…that he will resent on that decision…Rather, what we see is to add salt to injury by continually depleting all known government and political structures of Rivers people and replacing them with aliens.”
A Dangerous Precedent? Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
Nwibubasa didn’t stop there. He questioned the very legality of appointing non-indigenes to head state electoral bodies, warning that this sets a dangerous precedent for the future. “I want to ask where in Nigeria have we had an independent electoral commission of a state headed by someone from another state? This is a terrible precedent…”
He went on to sarcastically suggest, “…if we can get chairmen of electoral commissions from other countries like Ghana and those doing well in their democracy to come and head that of Nigeria, since Rivers State has become the space where we will experiment these kinds of things.” Ouch! Talk about a burn!
Did you know? The independence of electoral bodies is crucial for maintaining democracy. According to the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), a credible election management body (EMB) is essential for ensuring free and fair elections. EISA Website
National Assembly: Lame Duck or Silent Accomplice?
The former commissioner didn’t spare the National Assembly either, branding it a “lame duck” for failing to reject the nomination despite acknowledging its irregularity. He argued that the Assembly’s role is to uphold the constitution and protect the interests of the people, and their failure to act in this case is a major letdown.
Rivers People Vow to Fight Back
Despite the perceived setbacks, Nwibubasa made it clear that the people of Rivers State will not remain silent. “This is unfortunate, and I can tell you that Rivers people are not happy. We will fight this thing constitutionally.”
The situation in Rivers State is undoubtedly tense. The appointment of a non-indigene as RSIEC chairman has ignited a firestorm of controversy, raising serious questions about governance, representation, and the integrity of the electoral process. Only time will tell how this unfolds, but one thing is clear: the people of Rivers State are ready to fight for what they believe is right.
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