By Olawunmi Ojo
The Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has berated the National Assembly for approving the Rivers State Emergency Rule with a voice vote.
He said this was because the Constitution stipulated that its approval or otherwise could not be done through a voice vote, but by calling individuals to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no.’
Obi stressed that the House of Reps could not determine a two-thirds majority by a voice vote.
“While a two-thirds majority is crucial, it does not justify bypassing proper procedures and undermining the principles of transparency and accountability.
“The use of a voice vote in such a significant decision not only disregards constitutional requirements, it also erodes public trust in the democratic process as well as the transparency and integrity of the National Assembly,” he said.
Obi maintained that decisions of such magnitude must be made with integrity, following the letter and spirit of the law.
He lamented that it was disheartening that a decision as crucial as approving an emergency proclamation — one that could alter the course of the nation — had been handled with such casual disregard for constitutional standards.
Obi noted that the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) 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.
“A simple call of “Aye” or “Nay” cannot accurately measure this crucial threshold. 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 Senate Standing Orders and House Rules were established to ensure that decisions of this magnitude are made transparently, with accountability. Ignoring these procedures is not just an oversight; it is a betrayal of the democratic process.
“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?” he added.
Obi further lamented that it was painful 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.
“This is not just a flawed procedure; it is a warning signal. We cannot afford to keep gambling with the soul of our democracy,” he stated.
