Nigerian Lawmakers Approve State of Emergency via Controversial Voice Votes

Nigerian lawmakers approved President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers using voice votes, despite constitutional requirements for a two-thirds majority recorded vote. This has raised concerns about transparency and accountability among Nigerians, who insist on compliance with constitutional protocols.

Recent actions by the Nigerian National Assembly reveal a significant controversy regarding the approval process for the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers. Although the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority vote from both chambers for such a declaration, the lawmakers utilized voice votes instead, raising concerns about the adherence to legal procedures.

According to Section 305 (6b) of the Nigerian Constitution, a state of emergency must be supported by at least 73 senators and 240 representatives in order to be valid. In stark contrast to this requirement, the National Assembly opted for voice votes where lawmakers express their support or opposition verbally. This method lacks the transparency of an official roll-call vote, which would record each member’s individual stance.

The Senate proceeded with a private meeting lasting over an hour before returning to the plenary session, where the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, put the resolution to a voice vote, dismissing the need for open debate. Similarly, the House of Representatives followed suit without a thorough evaluation of individual votes.

Nigerians have voiced strong opposition to this procedure. Notable banker Atedo Peterside articulated on X that, “A two-thirds majority cannot be achieved via a voice vote,” emphasizing the necessity for members to individually identify themselves and cast votes. Activist Dele Farotimi echoed this sentiment, insisting on a counted vote to meet constitutional requirements, as he stated, “A voice vote will not suffice.”

In light of these developments, many citizens have raised questions about the integrity and legitimacy of the vote that led to the approval of the presidential proclamation. The lack of adherence to constitutional procedure may undermine public trust in the legislative process and has prompted discussions about the importance of transparency in governance.

The approval of President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers has sparked significant concern due to the National Assembly’s choice of voice votes over a constitutionally mandated recorded vote. This decision raises questions about the validity of the emergency declaration as it fails to provide transparency and accountability, as expressed by various Nigerian citizens, including prominent figures. It is imperative to adhere to constitutional provisions to maintain public trust in legislative processes.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com