Rivers: Senator Kingibe condemns voice vote on emergency rule

Federal Capital Territory Senator Ireti Kingibe has issued a strong rebuke against the National Assembly’s use of voice voting to ratify the recent declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

In a press statement released Friday, Senator Kingibe, representing the Labour Party, emphasised that the Nigerian Constitution explicitly requires a two-thirds majority of each legislative house to approve any presidential emergency proclamation.

“A voice vote is insufficient for determining a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for an emergency proclamation,” Kingibe stated. “A formal recorded vote is crucial to confirm the exact number of lawmakers in support.”

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The senator cited Section 305(2) & (6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), which mandates that emergency proclamations must receive approval from at least two-thirds of all members of each House—the Senate and House of Representatives.

“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,” explained Kingibe.

The statement further emphasised the National Assembly’s responsibility as “custodians of the Laws of the Land,” calling on lawmakers to “jealously guard this role” and ensure the rule of law prevails by properly exercising their constitutional duty to oversee presidential decisions.

Senator Kingibe concluded her statement with a call for accountability, stating that “National Assembly members are the direct representatives of the people. Without a roll call or electronic voting, the people haven’t spoken and therefore cannot take responsibility for the President’s decision.”