Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the Labour Party, has fiercely opposed voice voting in the National Assembly for critical constitutional decisions, including emergency rule declarations.
In a recent statement on her official X account, she insisted the legislature must follow constitutional mandates requiring a verified two-thirds majority.
Specifically, Section 305(2) and (6)(b) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution demands presidential emergency proclamations gain approval from two-thirds of Senate and House members.
Kingibe stressed that voice votes—relying on audible “Ayes” or “Nays”—fail to confirm this threshold accurately.
“Only recorded votes—roll call, division, or electronic—guarantee constitutional compliance,” she declared, citing Senate Standing Orders and House Rules mandating formal procedures for high-stakes decisions.
Furthermore, she emphasized the National Assembly’s duty to uphold the rule of law.
“As constitutional custodians, lawmakers must oversee presidential actions rigorously,” she argued.
By sidestepping transparent voting, she warned, legislators risk undermining public trust and eroding democratic accountability.
Critically, Kingibe highlighted the silencing of citizens’ voices when votes go unrecorded.
“Lawmakers embody the people’s will,” she stated. “Without documented votes, the public bears no responsibility for presidential decisions.”
She urged Nigerians to demand accountability, declaring, “Citizens MUST pressure representatives to follow constitutional standards!”
Her remarks ignited debates on legislative transparency, with many citizens endorsing her stance.
Critics, however, argue procedural flexibility speeds urgent decisions.
Nevertheless, the controversy underscores growing demands for stricter adherence to Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
Currently, emergency rule ratification remains contentious, exposing tensions between executive authority and legislative oversight.
As discussions intensify, Kingibe’s advocacy could catalyze reforms ensuring clearer voting records and stronger checks on power.
For now, the National Assembly faces mounting pressure to prioritize transparency, balancing efficiency with constitutional fidelity.
Ultimately, this debate transcends emergency declarations—it tests Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles.
Should lawmakers adopt recorded voting, it would reinforce public confidence in governance.
Conversely, clinging to opaque practices risks deepening disillusionment.
Kingibe’s challenge now lies in rallying bipartisan support for procedural integrity, ensuring the legislature fulfills its role as the people’s true voice.
