The controversy erupted during the presentation of a report by the Ad-Hoc Committee on the Emergency Rule in Rivers State, led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. The committee recommended Odey’s confirmation, but the move drew immediate backlash from several senators who questioned the appropriateness of appointing a non-indigene to oversee sensitive electoral matters in a politically volatile state.
“Are there no people in Rivers anymore?” asked Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), who led the opposition. “Let it be on record that I, Senator Abdul Ningi, stood against this decision.”
Backing him, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) argued that the appointment could deepen local tensions. “There are qualified people in Rivers. This sends the wrong message,” he warned.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) also weighed in, stressing the importance of handling the situation with care given the state’s ongoing political crisis.
