FCT Senator, Ireti Kingibe, has criticized the use of a voice vote by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
She described the move as unconstitutional and warned that such actions undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement released on Friday, Kingibe stressed that the Constitution explicitly requires a two-thirds majority vote from both the Senate and the House of Representatives before a state of emergency can be approved.
“A two-thirds majority vote is required for a matter of this magnitude. The Constitution does not recognise ‘Ayes’ and ‘Nays’ shouted into a microphone as legitimate approval,” she stated.
She further explained that a voice vote does not satisfy the constitutional requirement for a two-thirds majority.
“A voice vote cannot and does not determine a two-thirds majority. The law mandates a recorded vote, whether roll call, division, or electronic, to ensure numerical accuracy. The National Assembly cannot be reduced to a rubber-stamp for the Executive.”
As the Labour Party senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kingibe reaffirmed her opposition to the manner in which the emergency rule was approved, arguing that it disregards legislative transparency and accountability.
She accused the National Assembly leadership of attempting to manipulate the process to serve the President’s interests rather than uphold constitutional principles.
“The National Assembly must guard its integrity. Lawmakers are not errand boys for the Presidency. Without proper voting records, Nigerians cannot be held responsible for the President’s decision.”
Her statement follows reports that Speaker Abass had sent out a WhatsApp voice note urging lawmakers to approve Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration.
A senator who leaked the information before the final approval on Thursday alleged that the leadership was deliberately suppressing transparency and coercing lawmakers into compliance.
“There is an urgent need to expose Akpabio and Abass. They plan to use a voice vote to pass the emergency rule despite the 1999 Constitution requiring a two-thirds vote. Nigerians need to know,” the senator revealed.
Despite concerns raised by some lawmakers, the House of Representatives proceeded with the voice vote during its plenary session on Thursday, effectively endorsing Tinubu’s controversial declaration.
