Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate has criticized the National Assembly’s use of a voice vote to authenticate President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Obi argued that this method is unconstitutional and undermines the democratic process, as it doesn’t provide a clear record of individual votes.
Obi also condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, describing the move as “reckless” and a clear attempt to undermine democracy and tighten the government’s grip on power.
According to him, the use of a voice vote by the National Assembly to authenticate the president’s decision is a blatant disregard for constitutional requirements and a betrayal of the democratic process.
He argued that decisions of such magnitude require transparency, accountability, and a recorded vote, not a simple “Aye” or “Nay”.
Obi warned that this move sets a dangerous precedent, undermining the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
He urged Nigerians to be vigilant and to demand that their elected representatives uphold the Constitution and follow due process.
“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not just reckless—it is a clear attempt to return us to a state of nature and tighten its grip on power at all costs,” Obi said. “It has plunged us back into a state of lawlessness, hugely undoing the progress we have made in these 26 years of democratic journey.”
