The Senate’s Media and Public Affairs Committee Chairman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has defended the decision to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State behind closed doors.

Speaking during a midterm briefing on the 10th Senate’s activities, Adaramodu addressed criticisms that the Senate secretly endorsed the emergency rule without an open vote at plenary.

He said:

“Our Standing Orders—Rules 131, 132, and 134—mandate that such issues be handled in closed-door sessions. Once a decision is reached there, it is not revisited in plenary. People outside the Senate often speak without understanding the rules. We debated this issue for over three hours and reached a consensus. The Senate President then returned to plenary, asked for affirmation, and no one objected.”

Meanwhile, the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers has begun screening nominees for key commissions in the state, including the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the Civil Service Commission, and the Local Government Service Commission.

RSIEC Nominees:

• Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey (Chairman)

• Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira

• Prof. Arthur Nwafor

• Prof. Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha

• Prof. (Dame) Joyce Akaniwor

• Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce

• Prof. Chidi Halliday

Rivers State Civil Service Commission Nominees:

• Dr. Barikor Livinus Baribuma (Chairman)

• Amb. Lot Peter Egopija

• Ms. Maeve Ere-Bestman

• Mrs. Joy Obiaju

• Mrs. Charity Lloyd Harry

Rivers State Local Government Service Commission Nominees:

• Mr. Israel N. Amadi (Chairman)

• Mr. Linus Nwandem

• Lady Christabel Ego George-Didia

• Dr. Tonye D. Willie Pepple

• Barr. Richard U. Ewoh

• Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd)

• Barr. Sammy Apiafi

Panel Questions Legality of RSIEC Chairman Nominee

The nomination of Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey, who hails from Cross River State, raised concerns, as he shares state of origin with the current Sole Administrator of Rivers, Ibok Ekwe Ibas.

When questioned, Odey argued:

“The RSIEC law does not prohibit non-indigenes from chairing the commission. Though I don’t have a copy of the Act on me, I’ve read through it.”

He added that his neutrality stems from having no personal ties in the state:

“As a non-indigene, I will remain neutral, adhere to procedures, and resist any external influence.”

Odey acknowledged issues around state electoral commissions being compromised but insisted they serve a purpose within federalism, provided transparency is ensured.

He said:

“The integrity of the electoral process depends on collaboration with stakeholders. Where processes are opaque, misinformation fills the gaps. My leadership will prioritize openness and integrity.”

Committee Chairman Senator Opeyemi Bamidele responded cautiously, saying:

“Even if the law doesn’t expressly prohibit appointing a non-indigene, we must consider whether it aligns with public expectations. We will re-examine the legality and implications before making a final recommendation.”