Lawmaker Justifies Voice Vote in Endorsing Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers

Lawmaker Justifies Voice Vote in Endorsing Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers

A member of the House of Representatives, Dawodu Bashiru, has defended the decision to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State through a voice vote, amid growing criticism over the process.

The use of a voice vote has sparked concerns about transparency, but Bashiru, who represents Oshodi/Isolo in Lagos State, insists that the House has the constitutional authority to determine its voting procedures.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, he explained that the House is not obligated to use electronic voting in all cases and that different rules apply depending on the situation.

Bashiru emphasized that voice voting is a long-standing practice in the House and that this instance was not unusual. He pointed out that electronic voting was used in previous cases, such as the election of former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, but different rules applied when electing the current Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

He concluded by stating that voice voting remains a standard method in the House and that its use in this matter was in line with established legislative practices.