The Nigerian National Assembly approved President Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers using voice votes, overlooking the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority. Citizens and activists have expressed concerns regarding the lack of transparency and the invalidity of voice votes for such crucial decisions.
In a recent development, the two chambers of the Nigerian National Assembly approved President Bola Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers through voice votes. This action raises substantial concerns as the Nigerian Constitution stipulates that such a declaration must secure a two-thirds majority from both chambers, as outlined in Section 305 (6b). Despite this constitutional requirement, the vote was not conducted through the mandated formal process, which should involve a record of individual lawmakers’ votes.
Nigerians anticipated a robust debate and precise voting that would reveal the actual number of lawmakers supporting the president’s declaration along with their identities. With 109 senators and 360 representatives, at least 73 senators and 240 representatives are required to support the emergency declaration. Instead of an official roll-call vote, the National Assembly opted for a voice vote, wherein lawmakers verbally express their stance, leaving the presiding officer to subjectively determine the majority.
Specifically in the Senate, a closed-door meeting of over an hour preceded the voice vote, wherein senators reportedly reached a consensus to support the proclamation. Upon resumption, Senate President Godswill Akpabio presented a resolution, and the vote occurred without any recorded opposition. The process mirrored that in the House of Representatives, where the proclamation was also affirmed through a voice vote without any official count.
Nigerians expressed discontent over this voting method. Banker Atedo Peterside asserted on social media that “A two-thirds majority cannot be achieved via a voice vote.” Activist Dele Farotimi echoed the sentiment, stating that a voice vote is insufficient for satisfying the constitutional requirement for a recorded two-thirds majority, emphasizing the need for an identifiable and individually cast vote.
The approval of President Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers via voice votes by the Nigerian National Assembly violates the constitutional mandate for a two-thirds majority. This method of voting elicits significant criticism as it lacks transparency and accountability. Many citizens, including notable activists, have called for adherence to proper voting procedures and for lawmakers to clearly disclose their votes in compliance with constitutional obligations.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
