Peter Obi Slams National Assembly Over Rivers State Emergency Approval

Scope 31 Mar 2025

Peter Obi Criticizes State of Emergency in Rivers State

Peter Obi Condemns the Approval of Emergency Rule in Rivers State

Listen, folks, I’m here to break it down for you. Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP), is not holding back. He’s fired up about the National Assembly approving the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. And guess what? They did it with a voice vote. A voice vote! Can you believe that? Peter Obi is calling it out for what it is—an outright violation of the Constitution. Let me tell you, this isn’t just about procedure; it’s about the principles of democracy and transparency that we hold dear.

Naija News initially reported that both the Senate and the House of Representatives went ahead and okayed the emergency rule in Rivers State. Not only that, they also slapped a six-month suspension on Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Now, Peter Obi is speaking up, and he’s not mincing words. He’s accusing lawmakers of adding insult to injury by using a voice vote to rubber-stamp this unconstitutional move.

Obi’s Take: A Voice Vote is No Joke

In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, Peter Obi laid it all out. He made it crystal clear that the Constitution doesn’t allow decisions of this magnitude to be made through a voice vote. Instead, it demands that individual lawmakers be called upon to explicitly say “yes” or “no.” It’s not just about ticking the boxes; it’s about accountability and ensuring that everyone is held responsible for their actions.

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He emphasized, “While we’re all still grappling with the decline of democracy in Nigeria, especially with what’s going on in Rivers State, I was shocked to hear that the National Assembly added fuel to the fire by approving this illegality with a voice vote. The Constitution couldn’t be clearer: this isn’t how it’s supposed to be done.”

“You can’t just determine a two-thirds majority with a voice vote. That’s not how the system works. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about following the rules and respecting the democratic process. A two-thirds majority is a big deal, but that doesn’t mean we can cut corners or ignore the proper procedures. Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of democracy, and when we start bending the rules, we’re setting a dangerous precedent.”

Why This Matters: Upholding the Constitution

Obi went on to explain why this is such a big deal. “The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) is very clear about this. For an emergency proclamation to be approved, it needs the support of at least two-thirds of all members in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. A simple ‘Aye’ or ‘Nay’ isn’t going to cut it. We’re talking about a recorded vote, whether it’s done by division, roll call, or electronic means. This isn’t a technicality; it’s the law, and it’s essential for legitimacy.”

“The Senate Standing Orders and House Rules are there for a reason—to make sure that decisions of this magnitude are made transparently, with accountability. Ignoring these procedures isn’t just a mistake; it’s a betrayal of the democratic process. If we can bend the rules so easily today, what’s stopping us from undermining other pillars of democracy tomorrow?”

He added, “It’s heartbreaking to think that members of the National Assembly, who took an oath to uphold the Constitution, would participate in a process that blatantly sidesteps due process. We need to ask ourselves: If the law no longer anchors our decisions, then what does? This isn’t just a flawed procedure; it’s a warning sign. We can’t keep playing with the soul of our democracy. It’s time to wake up and do the right thing.”

So, there you have it. Peter Obi is making his voice heard, and he’s urging everyone to reflect on the importance of upholding the Constitution and protecting the principles of democracy. This isn’t just about Rivers State; it’s about the future of Nigeria as a whole. Let’s hope his message resonates with those in power and inspires real change.