The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), has approved the appointment of a new leadership team for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), with the changes officially taking effect from Monday, April 7, 2025, okaynews.com reports.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey was named as the new Chairman of the electoral body. He will be working alongside six other appointees, including four distinguished academics.
Those appointed to serve as members of the commission include Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Professor Author Nwafor, Professor Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha, Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaninwor, Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce, and Professor Chidi Halliday.
“The Following have also been appointed as Chairman and members of the Rivers State Electoral Commission:
“Dr Micheal Ekpai Odey, Chairman
Mr Lezaasi Lenee Torbira member
Prof Author Nwafor
Professor Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha Member
Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaninwor Member
Dr (Mrs) Olive A. Bruce Member
Professor Chidi Halliday Member.”
“All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025”.
The announcement comes on the heels of last week’s sweeping suspension of heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the state — a move that included the dissolution of the former RSIEC leadership under retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli.
The newly appointed electoral commission is expected to play a pivotal role in overseeing the conduct of future elections in the state.
