The National Assembly has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This decision, made through a voice vote, led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and other elected officials for six months. A sole administrator has been appointed to oversee the state’s affairs. However, critics argue that the approval process violated Section 305(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority vote.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, criticized the approval, stating that a voice vote could not determine a two-thirds majority. Senate President Godswill Akpabio defended the process, claiming there was unanimous support with no opposition.
The Senate emphasized that all regulations in Rivers State must undergo review by a joint ad hoc committee of the National Assembly. It also called for a reconciliation committee, including representatives from the government and other key stakeholders, to restore peace in the state.
In the House of Representatives, lawmakers made amendments to Tinubu’s proclamation. They insisted that the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, report directly to the National Assembly instead of the Federal Executive Council. They also proposed that a national committee be formed to address the crisis and that the emergency period could be shortened if necessary.
The Senate’s approval followed a closed door session lasting over an hour. Despite the resolution, some senators expressed concerns over constitutional breaches. Reports suggest that the required quorum was not met, prompting the use of a voice vote instead of an official count. Some senators, including Seriake Dickson and Enyinnaya Abaribe, walked out in protest.
Earlier, Akpabio had read President Tinubu’s letter on the emergency proclamation, committing it to immediate passage. However, tensions arose when Senator Dickson attempted to challenge the procedure, citing Senate rules requiring a closed door session before deliberation. Eventually, Akpabio allowed the discussion, leading to the Senate’s final approval.
Peter Obi strongly opposed the decision, arguing that such a significant matter required a recorded vote rather than a voice vote. He described the process as unconstitutional and a betrayal of democratic principles. Legal experts also criticized the approval method, stating that a voice vote lacked transparency and legitimacy.
The controversy surrounding the emergency declaration has sparked concerns over its legality and the broader implications for governance in Nigeria. The coming weeks will reveal how the situation in Rivers State unfolds amid calls for constitutional adherence and political reconciliation.