Peter Obi Condemns National Assembly’s ‘Unconstitutional’ Voice Vote on Rivers State Emergency
posted 20th March 2025
Peter Obi Condemns National Assembly’s ‘Unconstitutional’ Voice Vote on Rivers State Emergency
Abuja, 20 March 2025– Peter Obi, a prominent Nigerian politician and former presidential candidate, has issued a scathing rebuke of the National Assembly’s recent decision to approve a state of emergency in Rivers State through a voice vote, labelling it an unconstitutional and arbitrary move that threatens the nation’s democracy.
In a strongly worded statement released today, Obi expressed his dismay at the ongoing erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria, with the situation in Rivers State serving as a glaring example. “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,” he said.
Obi argued that the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) explicitly mandates a two-thirds majority of all members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives to approve such a proclamation, a threshold that cannot be accurately determined by a simple call of “Aye” or “Nay.” “The Constitution is clear that this cannot be done through a voice vote but by calling individuals to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no,’” he insisted. “You cannot determine a two-thirds majority by a voice vote.”
The politician, known for his vocal advocacy of transparency and accountability, warned that bypassing proper procedures undermines the very foundation of Nigeria’s democratic process. “While a two-thirds majority is crucial, it does not justify bypassing proper procedures and undermining the principles of transparency and accountability,” he said. “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.”
Obi emphasised that decisions of such magnitude—capable of altering the nation’s trajectory—must adhere strictly to the letter and spirit of the law. He pointed to the Senate Standing Orders and House Rules, which require recorded votes, whether by division, roll call, or electronic means, to ensure transparency. “This isn’t just a technicality; it’s a matter of law and legitimacy,” he stressed. “Ignoring these procedures is not just an oversight; it is a betrayal of the democratic process.”
The former Anambra State governor described the voice vote as a “dangerous precedent,” cautioning that such leniency could pave the way for further assaults on democratic norms. “If we can bend the rules so easily, what stops us from undermining other pillars of democracy?” he asked. “Today, it’s a voice vote on a state of emergency—tomorrow, it could be a voice vote on citizens’ fundamental rights.”
Expressing his disappointment in lawmakers, Obi remarked, “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 called on Nigerians to reflect on the implications of such actions, posing a sobering question: “If the law no longer anchors our decisions, then what does?”
The controversy surrounding the National Assembly’s decision comes amid heightened tensions in Rivers State, though specific details of the emergency proclamation remain unclear. Obi’s statement has reignited debates about the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative processes and the fragility of its democratic institutions.
“This is not just a flawed procedure; it is a warning signal,” Obi concluded. “We cannot afford to keep gambling with the soul of our democracy.” As public scrutiny intensifies, all eyes are now on the National Assembly to address these allegations and restore faith in the nation’s governance.
