Peter Obi Condemns National Assembly’s Vote On State Of Emergency In Rivers State

Peter Obi has called out the National Assembly for using a voice vote system to approve the declaration of the state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

Recall that President Tinubu on Wednesday, March 19, 2024, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State over the political instability in the state and suspended the state governor, Sim Fubara, and all state House of Assembly members.

President Tinubu appointed a sole administrator for the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), and has been faced by criticism over the illegality of the suspension of Governor Fubara and the State House Members.

Peter Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, and Atiku Abubakar of the PDP condemned Tinubu’s action and noted that it was an attack on Nigeria’s democracy.

In line with the provision of the constitution, the National Assembly approved the declaration, but Peter Obi expressed worry over the voting system of the Senate and House of Representatives.

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He noted that the National Assembly members “added salt to injury by using a voice vote to pass the illegality.”

“The Constitution is clear that this cannot be done through a voice vote but by calling individuals to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no.’

“You cannot determine a two-thirds majority by a voice vote.

“While a two-thirds majority is crucial, it does not justify bypassing proper procedures and undermining the principles of transparency and accountability.”

Peter Obi also lamented that the “use of a voice vote in such a significant decision not only disregards constitutional requirements but also erodes public trust in the democratic process as well as the transparency and integrity of the National Assembly.”

“Decisions of such magnitude must be made with integrity, following the letter and spirit of the law.

“It is disheartening that a decision as crucial as approving an emergency proclamation—one that could alter the course of the nation—has been handled with such casual disregard for constitutional standards.

“The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) clearly requires that such a proclamation must be approved by at least two-thirds of all members of each House—the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“A simple call of “Aye” or “Nay” cannot accurately measure this crucial threshold.

“When a supermajority is required, it demands a recorded vote—whether by division, roll call, or electronic means. This isn’t just a technicality; it’s a matter of law and legitimacy.”

The former Anambra State governor reminded that the “Senate Standing Orders and House Rules were established to ensure that decisions of this magnitude are made transparently, with accountability.”

“Ignoring these procedures is not just an oversight; it is a betrayal of the democratic process.

“A voice vote for such a critical matter is not just insufficient; it’s a dangerous precedent. If we can bend the rules so easily, what stops us from undermining other pillars of democracy?

“Today, it’s a voice vote on a state of emergency—tomorrow, it could be a voice vote on citizens’ fundamental rights.

“It is painful to think that members of the National Assembly, who swore to uphold the Constitution, could participate in a process that sidesteps the very essence of due process.

“We must ask ourselves: If the law no longer anchors our decisions, then what does?

 “This is not just a flawed procedure; it is a warning signal.

 “We cannot afford to keep gambling with the soul of our democracy.”

Despite Peter Obi’s criticism, President Tinubu went on to praise members of the Assembly for supporting his move, describing his declaration as a “lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability.”