Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has opposed the National Assembly’s use of a voice vote to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
In a statement released on Friday, Kingibe argued that the Nigerian Constitution requires a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly to approve a state of emergency. She questioned the credibility of using a voice vote for such a significant decision, stating that it does not provide an accurate count of lawmakers who support or oppose the measure.
“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 read.
The senator further noted that the Senate’s standing order and House rules require a roll call or electronic voting system to confirm that the required two-thirds majority is met. She insisted that following these procedures is necessary to uphold transparency and accountability in governance.
She said, “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.
“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.”
Kingibe also stressed that the National Assembly has a responsibility to ensure the rule of law is followed when approving major decisions such as an emergency proclamation. She urged lawmakers to act in accordance with constitutional guidelines rather than relying on voting methods that may not reflect the actual will of the legislature.
Furthermore, she called on Nigerians to hold their representatives accountable, stating that transparency in decision-making is essential for democracy.
