The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has appointed a new chairman and members for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). This significant move is part of efforts to revitalize the state’s electoral body.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, announced that Dr. Micheal Ekpai Odey will serve as the new chairman of the commission. Dr. Odey will work alongside six other members, including four professors, to ensure the smooth functioning of RSIEC.
The new members appointed to the commission are:
- Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira
- Professor Author Nwafor
- Professor Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha
- Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaninwor
- Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce
- Professor Chidi Halliday
The appointment takes effect on Monday, April 7, 2025.
This announcement comes after Vice Admiral Ibas had last week suspended the heads of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Rivers State, including the former leadership of RSIEC, which was headed by Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retired).
The changes are expected to bring a fresh direction to the commission, as the new appointees bring a mix of expertise and experience in various fields. The move is seen as part of Ibas’ broader efforts to strengthen governance and improve the functioning of state institutions ahead of upcoming elections.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission plays a crucial role in overseeing free and fair elections within the state, and the new leadership is expected to work towards ensuring that the electoral process is transparent, efficient, and credible.
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