By CHIDI MATTHEW NWACHUKWU

Labour Party chieftain and former presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the Senate?s decision to pass a voice vote on the decision of whether or not emergency rule should go on in Rivers State.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi described the Senate?s decision to use a voice vote, instead of inviting the individual legislators to decide by saying ?yes? or ?no,? as disheartening and a dangerous precedent that clearly undermines the democratic process.

?It is disheartening that a decision as crucial as approving an emergency proclamation ? one that could alter the course of the nation ? has been handled with such casual disregard for constitutional standards.

?The Constitution is clear that this cannot be done through a voice vote but by calling individuals to answer ?yes? or ?no.? You cannot determine a two-thirds majority by a voice vote.

?While a two-thirds majority is crucial, it does not justify bypassing proper procedures and undermining the principles of transparency and accountability,? stated Obi.

The former Anambra governor further stressed that the voice vote passed by the Senate was not sure to accurately produce the two-thirds majority votes required by the Constitution for the declaration of emergency rule.

?While a two-thirds majority is crucial, it does not justify bypassing proper procedures and undermining the principles of transparency and accountability.

?It is disheartening that a decision as crucial as approving an emergency proclamation ? one that could alter the course of the nation ? has been handled with such casual disregard for constitutional standards.

?When a supermajority is required, it demands a recorded vote ? whether by division, roll call, or electronic means. This isn?t just a technicality; it?s a matter of law and legitimacy,? stressed Obi.

He further alluded to the fact that the Labour Party made effort to urge its members at the National Assembly to not support the passing of the emergency rule in Rivers State, but that it was late as the Senate had already subjected the decision to a voice vote.

?While still agonizing over the ongoing deterioration of democracy in our nation, especially with the situation in Rivers State, and trying to reach out to our National Assembly members not to support and sustain the unconstitutionality and arbitrariness, I just heard that they have added salt to injury by using a voice vote to pass the illegality,? Obi disclosed.

In conclusion, Obi warned that the recent developments in the country must be taken seriously, and not merely dismissed as a flawed procedure.

?We must ask ourselves: If the law no longer anchors our decisions, then what does?

?This is not just a flawed procedure; it is a warning signal. We cannot afford to keep gambling with the soul of our democracy,? warned Obi.