The Senate on Wednesday confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for key positions across four agencies in Rivers State.

The confirmation followed the presentation of the screening report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers State, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC–Ekiti), during plenary.

Bamidele noted that all screened nominees demonstrated knowledge relevant to their prospective roles, met the constitutional requirements, and passed security checks. No petitions were filed against them.

However, Senators Abdul Ningi (PDP–Bauchi), Ali Ndume (APC–Borno), and Abba Moro (PDP–Benue) raised concerns over the nomination of Dr. Michael Odey—a native of Cross River State—as RSIEC Chairman. They argued that Rivers State has capable indigenes suitable for such a sensitive role.

Ndume urged caution, stating, “The Senate must be guided beyond just the constitution; it must also consider perception and representation.”

Responding, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno (APC–Borno) emphasised that the nomination complied with constitutional provisions.

Bamidele further cautioned against politicising the matter, saying, “This is not an issue for grandstanding. If the parliament disagrees with the court’s interpretation, the proper route is legislation, not protest.”

The Senate thereafter confirmed all nominees, except the one stood down.

Confirmed Appointments:

1. Rivers State Civil Service Commission

Chairman: Dr. Barikor Livinus Baribuma

Members: Amb. Lot Peter Egopija, Ms. Maeve Ere-Bestman, Mrs. Joy Obiaju, Mrs. Charity Lloyd Harry

2. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC)

Chairman: Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey

Members: Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Prof. Arthur Nwafor, Prof. Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Prof. Joyce Akaniwor, Dr. Olive A. Bruce, Prof. Chidi Halliday

3. Rivers State Local Government Service Commission

Chairman: Mr. Israel Amadi

Members: Mr. Linus Nwandem, Christabel George-Didia, Dr. Tonye D. Willie Pepple, Mr. Richard U. Ewoh, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd), Mr. Sammy Apiafi

4. Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board

Chairman: Dr. Dawari George

Executive Director: Dr. Chituru Adiele

Members: Prof. Kaladada Korubp, Dr. Benjamin Osarolaka Osaro, Mrs. Anne Obomanu, Prof. Grace Robinson Bassey, Dr. Mike Alagala, Mr. Sunday Asetubobe

Additional confirmations include representatives from key ministries and agencies:

Mr. Dagogo Alabo – Ministry of Health

Ms. Carmelita Ekenyi Agborubere – Ministry of Women’s Affairs

Mr. James Ngochindo Epobari – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance

Mr. Clifford Paul – ALGON Representative

Mr. Luke Usang – Local Government Civil Service Commission

Mr. Romeo Osima Isokariari – Ministry of Justice

One nominee, Victoria Poma Samuel, representing the Ministry of Local Government Affairs on the Primary Health Board, was stood down due to her absence during the screening.