The House of Representatives had convened to deliberate on President Bola Tinubu's proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a measure prompted by escalating political unrest and recent infrastructure sabotage within the state. During the session, the approval was granted via a voice vote, a method where members verbally express their agreement or dissent without individual vote recording.
This procedure has drawn criticism from various quarters. Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election, criticized the National Assembly's reliance on a voice vote for such a critical issue, asserting that the constitution mandates a two-thirds majority for approval, which cannot be accurately determined through a voice vote.
Similarly, Atedo Peterside, a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur, emphasized that a two-thirds majority cannot be achieved via a voice vote. He advocated for members to cast their votes individually to ensure constitutional compliance.
The political turmoil in Rivers State stems from a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This rift has led to a factional divide within the Rivers State House of Assembly, resulting in legislative gridlock and governance challenges.
The House of Representatives' endorsement of the emergency declaration, coupled with the contentious approval method, has sparked debates about legislative procedures and the imperative for strict adherence to constitutional provisions in addressing state crises.
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