The Nigerian Senate has completed the screening of 17 individuals chosen to lead key government agencies in Rivers State. These appointments are expected to help strengthen the institutions and improve governance across the state.
The screening covered top bodies like the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the Civil Service Commission, and the Local Government Service Commission. These institutions play an important role in managing elections, civil service operations, and local government affairs in the state.
The screening process was carried out by a special Senate Ad-Hoc Committee in charge of overseeing emergency developments in Rivers State. This committee is led by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central.
Senator Bamidele confirmed that all the nominees had fulfilled legal requirements. They had declared their assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau and were also cleared by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
Earlier on June 12, Senate President Godswill Akpabio had read out the President’s letter listing the nominees. This officially began the screening process for the appointees.
Here are the appointed nominees and their agencies:
Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC):
- Chairman: Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey
- Members: Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Prof. Arthur Nwafor, Prof. Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Prof. (Dame) Joyce Akaniwor, Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce, and Prof. Chidi Halliday.
Rivers State Civil Service Commission:
- Chairman: Dr. Barikor Baribuma
- Members: Lot Egopija, Ms. Maeve Ere-Bestman, Mrs. Joy Obiaju, and Mrs. Charity Lloyd Harry.
Rivers State Local Government Service Commission:
- Members: Linus Nwandem, Lady Christabel George-Didia, Dr. Tonye Willie Pepple, Richard Ewoh, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (rtd), and Sammy Apiafi.
These individuals are expected to bring expertise and leadership into their new roles, helping to ensure transparency, order, and service delivery in the different agencies.
