The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has appointed Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey as the new Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The sole administrator also reconstituted Civil Service Commission and Local Government Service Commission.
This development was disclosed in a press statement released on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika.
In addition to appointing a new chairman, Ibas announced the full reconstitution of the RSIEC board. This move comes amid rising political tensions and ongoing legal disputes within the state’s political arena.
The newly appointed RSIEC members are:
Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey – Chairman
Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira – Member
Professor (Dr.) Arthur Nwafor – Member
Professor Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha – Member
Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaninwor – Member
Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce – Member
Professor Chidi Halliday – Member
The reconstitution of RSIEC is seen as a strategic step towards preparations for the forthcoming local government elections. These elections have become a major point of contention between political factions loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Political observers suggest that the latest appointments could intensify the ongoing power struggle, as questions of legitimacy and legal validity continue to surround the formation of new political structures. No official date has been set for the local government polls, though analysts believe the new RSIEC board may accelerate the process in the near future.
In a related development, Vice Admiral Ibas also approved new appointments for the state’s Civil Service Commission and Local Government Service Commission.
Civil Service Commission Appointees:
Dr. Livinus Bariki – Chairman
Amb. Lot Peter Egopija – Member
Mrs. Maeve Ere Bestman – Member
Mrs. Joy Obiaju – Member
Mrs. Charity Lloyd Harry – Member
Local Government Service Commission Appointees:
Mr. Isreal N. Amadi – Chairman
Mr. Linus Nwandem – Member
Lady Christabel Ego George Didia – Member
Dr. Tonye Willie D. Pepple – Member
Barr. Richard Ewoh – Member
Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd) – Member
Dr. Sammy Apiafi – Member
These appointments are part of the ongoing restructuring efforts by the state administration to strengthen institutional governance and enhance service delivery.