Senator Kingibe Criticizes Voice Vote in Ratification of Rivers State Emergency

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has strongly condemned the use of a voice vote by the National Assembly to ratify the state of emergency in Rivers State. The decision, which also upheld the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly, was made on Thursday by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

In a statement released on Friday, the Labour Party lawmaker emphasized that such a critical constitutional matter requires a two-thirds majority vote, as stipulated by the Nigerian Constitution, rather than a voice vote. Senator Kingibe argued that voice votes, where lawmakers simply say "Aye" or "Nay," cannot accurately determine the required supermajority.

She cited Section 305(2) & (6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates that an emergency proclamation must be approved by at least two-thirds of all members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Kingibe stressed that a formal recorded vote, such as a roll call or electronic voting, is essential to ensure transparency and constitutional compliance.

The Senator also reminded the National Assembly of its duty to uphold the rule of law and act as a check on the President’s decisions. She urged lawmakers to remember their role as representatives of the people, emphasizing that without a proper voting record, the people’s voices remain unheard.

Kingibe called on citizens to hold their representatives accountable, stating, “The National Assembly must ensure that the rule of law prevails and that the President’s decisions are guided by constitutional requirements.”

This development has sparked further debate over the transparency and legality of the process used to ratify the state of emergency in Rivers State.

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