It is worrisome that Nigeria’s National Assembly has betrayed its duty to uphold the rule of law by rubber-stamping President Bola Tinubu’s unconstitutional state of emergency in Rivers State.
Development Diaries reports that both legislative chambers approved President Tinubu’s emergency rule through a voice vote, violating the constitution’s requirement for a two-thirds majority.
The declaration resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and elected members of the state’s House of Assembly for six months, and the appointment of a sole administrator for the state.
The National Assembly’s fundamental duty is to uphold democracy by keeping executive powers in check and ensuring they are exercised within constitutional limits.
As the legislative arm of government, it serves as a vital safeguard against presidential overreach, protecting citizens’ rights and preserving democratic integrity.
However, this action by the National Assembly has shown nothing short of a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
Section 305(4) of the 1999 constitution clearly stipulates that such a resolution must be supported by a two-thirds majority of all members, not determined by subjective interpretations of a shouted ‘aye’ or ‘nay’.
By ignoring this requirement, the legislature has failed to protect democracy.
Rather than engaging in thorough debate and securing the constitutional threshold for such a significant decision, lawmakers opted for an opaque and hurried process, showing their loyalty and support for the president and disregard for the Nigerian people.
The use of a voice vote in such a critical decision is an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians and a dangerous precedent for the country’s democracy.
If this method is allowed to stand, what stops the National Assembly from using similar tactics to justify other unconstitutional actions in the future?
The constitution exists to prevent precisely this kind of arbitrary governance, but the lawmakers have shown contempt for the very document that legitimises their own authority by disregarding its provisions.
They have sent a clear message that they are willing to betray democratic norms for political convenience.
Nigerians must not sit idly by while their democracy is eroded. Citizens must demand accountability from their elected representatives and refuse to accept legislative decisions that violate constitutional provisions.
In particular, the people of Rivers State should push back against this decision and challenge it through all available legal and civic channels.
This action goes beyond Rivers State. It sets a dangerous precedent for governance across Nigeria. If a governor can be removed through unconstitutional means today, no governor will be safe from similar political maneuvers in the future.
Ultimately, this situation is a test of Nigeria’s commitment to democracy. If the National Assembly can so easily sidestep constitutional provisions on a matter as serious as emergency rule, then the integrity of the entire democratic system is at risk.
Development Diaries calls on all Nigerians to take a stand against this clear abuse of power by the National Assembly. Citizens should contact their representatives and insist that they uphold their duty to protect democracy and not bend to executive pressure.
We call on the National Assembly to adopt transparent and constitutionally sound voting procedures on critical issues. Voice votes should never replace a two-thirds majority requirement on matters of such grave importance.
