EXPOSED:
Senate, House of Reps considers voice votes to ratify Emergency Rule in Rivers
Ahead of the Senate and House of Representatives resumption today; Thursday to ratify or reject President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of the state of emergency in Rivers state, credible sources revealed that the Lawmakers are considering voice votes to ratify the request.
This followed the fears that the state of emergency declaration may not get the approval of the two/ third majority.
Public opinions across the land including legal minds such as the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) are vehemently opposed to the state of emergency as it contravenes the spirit and letter of the constitution.
The Godswill Akpabio led Senate will need 72 out of the 108 current Senators while speaker Tajudeen Abbas led House of Representatives will require 240 out of the 360 members to get the ratification.
Worried that the 2/3 majority may be a herculean task, the Presidency and the leadership of National Assembly are said to be opting for voice votes to secure the approval.
In line with the constitution every member of the Senate or House of Representatives are expected to vote individually for or against and not voice votes.
Members of upper and lower chambers are sharply divided on the matter political affiliations not withstanding.
Already, the sole administrator appointed to over see Rivers state in the next six months Vice Admiral Ete Ibas has been sworn in. He is said to have assumed duty in Port Harcourt.
Nigerians are watching and waiting how the National Assembly handles the matter.
Ends .
