The Senate has temporarily halted President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Michael Ekpai as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), citing constitutional concerns over his eligibility.

Ekpai, a retired official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), appeared before the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers State for screening on Tuesday.

During the session, lawmakers raised concerns about his state of origin, questioning whether a non-indigene could legally head a state electoral body.

Ekpai confirmed he is a native of Cross River State but argued that his non-indigene status was not a disqualifying factor.

“There is no law that bars a non-indigene from serving as Chairman of a state electoral commission,” he stated.

He went on to suggest that his lack of local ties could serve as a strength, not a weakness.

“My impartiality is guaranteed because I have no affiliations in Rivers State. I will be fair and neutral,” he told the committee.

Ekpai pledged to uphold the law, adhere to electoral timelines, and ensure broad stakeholder engagement in the state’s electoral process. He also emphasized his extensive electoral experience, noting that he had “served for 35 years at INEC, conducted multiple elections, and maintained a record of integrity and adherence to due process.”

Despite acknowledging Ekpai’s professional qualifications, the Senate committee stressed the importance of verifying the legal basis for his appointment. Senators insisted that clarity was needed to ensure the nomination did not conflict with constitutional or state-level legal stipulations.

“We must review the legal provisions guiding such appointments to ensure compliance with the Nigerian Constitution and the laws of Rivers State,” a committee member said.

The development comes amid ongoing political tension in Rivers State following a public fallout between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The political crisis led to the suspension of Governor Fubara for six months and the installation of an administrator, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, a Cross Riverian, under an emergency rule arrangement.

President Tinubu submitted Ekpai’s name along with six others for confirmation on Democracy Day, last Thursday.