Tinubu Undermines Rivers State by Appointing RSIEC Chairman from Cross River – Nwibubasa

Dr. Lelonu Nwibubasa, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Empowerment and Employment Generation, has openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as an outright act of disrespect and marginalization toward the people of Rivers State.

According to Nwibubasa, the recent appointment of a non-native—Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey from Cross River State—as the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), is not only unprecedented but also deeply offensive.

He expressed his disapproval during a live interview on Arise TV’s Morning Show held on Friday.

This reaction comes in the wake of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, reading President Tinubu’s letter to the National Assembly, listing seven individuals nominated for RSIEC roles. The nominees include:

• Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey (Chairman)
• Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira
• Prof. (Dr.) Arthur Nwafor
• Prof. Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha
• Prof. (Dame) Joyce Akaniwor
• Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce
• Prof. Chidi Halliday

Reacting strongly, Nwibubasa condemned the decision, saying it deepens existing tensions and highlights a troubling pattern of replacing native leadership with outsiders.

“It’s shocking that even three months after a state of emergency was imposed on Rivers State—ignoring constitutional procedures and widespread opposition—the President has failed to reverse this illegal action,” he said.

Instead, Nwibubasa argued, the administration continues to erode the state’s political structure by bringing in non-indigenes.

“Where else in Nigeria has any state’s electoral commission been chaired by someone from another state? This is a dangerous precedent.”

He further suggested sarcastically that, based on this logic, Nigeria could as well invite foreign nationals from countries like Ghana to oversee its electoral bodies.

Nwibubasa described the situation as humiliating and indicative of total disregard for the people of Rivers State. He reminded the public of Rivers State’s significant contributions to the nation’s economy and stability.

“This is not just an insult—it’s a complete dismissal of our value and relevance as a people. The National Assembly, despite knowing this appointment is flawed, still validated it.”

He said that the silence and complicity of the National Assembly only reinforced the belief that President Tinubu’s administration is sidelining the state intentionally.

“This whole process feels like a bad joke taken too far. Rivers people are deeply offended, and I assure you that we’ll pursue all constitutional avenues to challenge this decision.”