Voice vote insufficient for approving Rivers emergency rule, says Ireti Kingibe

Ireti Kingibe, senator representing the federal capital territory (FCT), has kicked against the national assembly’s use of voice vote in approving the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers state.

On Thursday, the upper and lower legislative chambers approved Tinubu’s request for emergency rule in Rivers, using a voice vote.

The approval follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers and the suspension of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the state assembly, over a protracted political crisis.

In a statement issued on Friday, Kingibe said the required two-thirds majority consensus “cannot be accurately determined by a mere voice vote”.

“As the senator representing the federal capital territory (FCT) elected on the platform of Labour Party, I, Ireti Kingibe, maintain a clear, firm and unequivocal stance on the recent declaration of emergency rule and the associated voting procedures conducted in the National Assembly,” the statement reads.

“I strongly oppose the use of voice voting for such critical, vital and constitutional issues. The Nigerian Constitution explicitly mandates that a state of emergency proclaimed by the President must be ratified by a two-thirds majority of all the members of each house of the national assembly.”

Kingibe said the senate standing order and house rules “mandate a roll call or electronic voting system to accurately determine numerical compliance for decisions of this magnitude”.

She added that the national assembly, as custodians of the Nigerian constitution, must uphold its duty of guiding the President’s decisions and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.

The senator also urge Nigerians to ensure they hold their representatives accountable for the decision on Rivers state.

“A two-thirds (2/3) majority is required for significant decisions like approving an emergency proclamation in the national assembly, and this level of consensus cannot be accurately determined by a voice vote,” she added.

“When a supermajority like two-thirds is needed, a recorded vote — whether through division voting, roll call, or electronic voting is necessary to ensure compliance with constitutional requirements.

“A voice vote is insufficient for determining a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for an emergency proclamation. A formal recorded vote is crucial to confirm the exact number of lawmakers in support.

“National Assembly members are the direct representatives of the people, the voice of the people. Without a roll call or electronic voting, the people haven’t spoken and therfore cannot, should not and will not take responsibility for the President’s decision, as constitutional required in matters of this magnitude.”