Rivers State Crisis: Peter Obi Condemns National Assembly’s Voice Vote, Says Democracy On Decline

“While still agonising over the ongoing deterioration of democracy in our nation, especially with the situation in Rivers State, and trying to reach out to our National Assembly members not to support and sustain the unconstitutionality and arbitrariness, I just heard that they have added salt to injury by using a voice vote to pass the illegality,” Obi stated in his reaction.

Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticised the National Assembly for approving an emergency rule proclamation for Rivers State through “a voice vote,” calling it a violation of constitutional principles and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.Nigerian cultural tourism packages

“While still agonising over the ongoing deterioration of democracy in our nation, especially with the situation in Rivers State, and trying to reach out to our National Assembly members not to support and sustain the unconstitutionality and arbitrariness, I just heard that they have added salt to injury by using a voice vote to pass the illegality,” Obi stated in his reaction.

According to the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), a two-thirds majority of both legislative chambers is required for such a decision.

Obi stressed that “the Constitution is clear that this cannot be done through a voice vote but by calling individuals to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no.’”

Legal experts and democracy advocates have echoed Obi’s concerns, arguing that a voice vote undermines transparency.

“You cannot determine a two-thirds majority by a voice vote,” Obi argued, warning that such practices threaten the integrity of the democratic process.Nigerian cultural tourism packages

The former Anambra State governor warned against setting a precedent that erodes democratic accountability.

“While a two-thirds majority is crucial, it does not justify bypassing proper procedures or undermining the principles of transparency and accountability.”

He criticised the National Assembly for failing to follow due process. “The use of a voice vote in such a significant decision not only disregards constitutional requirements but also erodes public trust in the democratic process as well as the transparency and integrity of the National Assembly.”

Decisions with national implications, Obi emphasised, must be handled with care. “Decisions of such magnitude must be made with integrity, following the letter and spirit of the law.”

He lamented the manner in which the emergency proclamation was approved. “It is disheartening that a decision as crucial as approving an emergency proclamation—one that could alter the course of the nation—has been handled with such casual disregard for constitutional standards.”

The Constitution explicitly outlines the voting process for such decisions. “The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) clearly requires that such a proclamation must be approved by at least two-thirds of all members of each House—the Senate and the House of Representatives.”Nigerian cultural tourism packages

Obi stressed that a voice vote does not meet this standard. “A simple call of ‘Aye’ or ‘Nay’ cannot accurately measure this crucial threshold.”

He called for adherence to legislative procedures. “When a supermajority is required, it demands a recorded vote—whether by division, roll call, or electronic means. This isn’t just a technicality; it’s a matter of law and legitimacy.”

The former governor highlighted the importance of established legislative rules. “The Senate Standing Orders and House Rules were established to ensure that decisions of this magnitude are made transparently, with accountability.”

Ignoring these rules, Obi warned, is a dangerous path. “Ignoring these procedures is not just an oversight; it is a betrayal of the democratic process.”

He cautioned that this sets a precedent for further democratic erosion. “A voice vote for such a critical matter is not just insufficient; it’s a dangerous precedent. If we can bend the rules so easily, what stops us from undermining other pillars of democracy?”

The implications, he warned, could extend beyond emergency proclamations. “Today, it’s a voice vote on a state of emergency—tomorrow, it could be a voice vote on citizens’ fundamental rights.”
Expressing disappointment in lawmakers, Obi questioned their commitment to the Constitution. “It is painful to think that members of the National Assembly, who swore to uphold the Constitution, could participate in a process that sidesteps the very essence of due process.”

He posed a critical question: “We must ask ourselves: If the law no longer anchors our decisions, then what does?”
This is more than just a procedural flaw, Obi stressed—it is a warning. “This is not just a flawed procedure; it is a warning signal.”
He urged Nigerians and democratic institutions to remain vigilant. “We cannot afford to keep gambling with the soul of our democracy.”

It had been reported that the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted in favour of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The decision came during a plenary session on Thursday, where lawmakers debated the emergency rule imposed amid the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich state.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, had confirmed that 240 lawmakers attended the session, satisfying the quorum requirements.