"Peter Obi Condemns Voice Vote as Breach of Constitutional Democracy"

 Peter Obi,  has criticized members of the National Assembly for using voice votes on crucial national matters, calling it a breach of the constitution.

In a heartfelt appeal, Obi urged lawmakers not to endorse the unconstitutional removal of Rivers State Governor Similaya Fubara in response to the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday. He expressed his disappointment over the use of voice votes in the parliament to resolve such significant issues.

On his X account, Obi stated, “As I continue to lament the ongoing decline of democracy in our nation, particularly regarding the situation in Rivers State, I reached out to National Assembly members urging them against supporting this illegitimate act. However, I was dismayed to learn that they exacerbated the situation by resorting to a voice vote. The Constitution clearly stipulates that such decisions cannot be made through a voice vote, but rather by calling on individuals to respond ‘yes’ or ‘no.’

“You cannot ascertain a two-thirds majority through a voice vote. While securing a two-thirds majority is imperative, it does not excuse bypassing established procedures that ensure transparency and accountability. The reliance on a voice vote for such a critical decision disregards constitutional mandates and undermines the public’s trust in our democratic framework. Decisions of this magnitude must be approached with integrity, adhering to both the letter and spirit of the law.

“It is troubling that a decision as pivotal as approving an emergency proclamation — one with the potential to significantly alter the nation's trajectory — was treated with such blatant disregard for constitutional standards. The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) explicitly necessitates that such proclamations be approved by at least two-thirds of all members in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. A simple call of ‘Aye’ or ‘Nay’ fails to accurately measure this essential threshold.

“When a supermajority is required, a recorded vote is necessary — whether by division, roll call, or electronically. This is not merely a technicality; it’s a matter of legality and legitimacy. The Senate Standing Orders and House Rules exist to facilitate transparent decision-making for issues of this magnitude, and ignoring these protocols is not just a lapse; it constitutes a betrayal of the democratic process.

“A voice vote on such important matters is not only inadequate; it sets a precarious precedent. If we can so easily disregard these procedures, what might stop us from undermining other foundational aspects of democracy? Today, it is a voice vote concerning a state of emergency — tomorrow, it could involve issues that affect citizens’ fundamental rights.

“It is disheartening to consider that members of the National Assembly, who pledged to uphold the Constitution, could engage in a process that circumvents the core principles of due process. We must critically examine our actions: If the law no longer serves as the foundation of our decisions, what then does?

“This is not simply a flawed procedure; it is a clarion call. We cannot afford to jeopardize the essence of our democracy.”