The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Ireti Kingibe, has strongly opposed the National Assembly’s decision to approve the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State using a voice vote. The approval, which took place on Thursday in both the upper and lower legislative chambers, followed President Bola Tinubu’s formal request to declare a state of emergency in the state due to a prolonged political crisis.
Kingibe, in a statement issued on Friday, argued that such a critical and constitutional decision should not be determined by the informal method of a voice vote. She emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution explicitly requires a two-thirds majority from all members of both chambers of the National Assembly to ratify a state of emergency declared by the President. She further pointed out that a voice vote does not provide an accurate or transparent way to verify this level of consensus.
“As the senator elected to represent the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the platform of the Labour Party, I, Ireti Kingibe, want to express my strong opposition to the use of voice voting for such a crucial decision. The Nigerian Constitution clearly stipulates that a state of emergency must be ratified by a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives,” Kingibe stated.
The senator also referenced the Senate’s standing orders and the rules of the House of Representatives, both of which call for more formal voting methods, such as roll calls or electronic voting, to accurately determine whether the constitutional requirement for a supermajority has been met. Kingibe stressed that these methods are essential for ensuring transparency and integrity in the National Assembly’s decision-making process.
“As custodians of the Constitution, it is the duty of the National Assembly to ensure that the President’s actions align with constitutional mandates and uphold the rule of law,” she continued. “A simple voice vote cannot properly reflect the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority in matters of such importance.”
Kingibe also appealed to Nigerians to hold their elected representatives accountable for their role in the approval of the emergency rule in Rivers State. She argued that without a formal recorded vote whether through division voting, roll call, or electronic voting the people’s voice is effectively silenced, and responsibility for the decision cannot be properly attributed to the representatives.
“A recorded vote is essential for ensuring that the exact number of lawmakers who support such a decision is clearly documented. Without it, the people’s mandate cannot be accurately represented,” Kingibe concluded.
The senator’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the transparency and accountability of the National Assembly in its handling of matters of national importance.
