Lawmakers Utilize Voice Votes for Rivers Crisis Declaration Despite Legal Concerns

Nigerian lawmakers approved President Bola Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers using voice votes, despite constitutional requirements for a two-thirds majority. This decision sparked concerns about transparency, as prominent figures emphasized the need for a clear voting process. President Tinubu declared the emergency amid a political dispute in the state, further complicating governance.

In a contentious move, Nigerian lawmakers employed voice votes to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers, violating constitutional requirements for a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber. Section 305 (6b) of the Nigerian Constitution necessitates that any emergency declaration must garner support from two-thirds of National Assembly members, raising concerns about transparency in the voting process.

Citizens, including banker Atedo Peterside and activist Dele Farotimi, expressed dismay, emphasizing that the significant constitutional requirement cannot be satisfied through voice votes, which lack individual accountability. “A two-thirds majority cannot be achieved via a voice vote,” Peterside remarked on X, highlighting the need for clear identification of lawmaker votes.

Despite public appeals for a recorded voting process, both the Senate and House of Representatives, largely controlled by the ruling APC party, proceeded with the voice vote, having a private session that lasted around 80 minutes before the public vote. Observations noted the absence of opposition among senators, with the session concluding without any vigorous debate.

The emergency was declared due to a political conflict in Rivers involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, with President Tinubu asserting that the situation impeded effective governance. Concurrently, several officials, including Mr. Fubara, have been suspended for six months during the state of emergency.

The Nigerian legislature’s decision to use voice votes for a State of Emergency declaration, contrary to constitutional mandates, raises serious concerns regarding transparency and public democracy. Calls from citizens and experts for proper voting procedures underscore the need for accountability in government decisions. As political tensions escalate in Rivers, the implications of this procedure necessitate careful scrutiny moving forward.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com