Rep Dawodu Clarifies: No Dissent During Voting On Rivers State Emergency

Rep Bashiru Dawodu Affirms Unanimous Support for Rivers State Emergency Measures

In a recent statement, Bashiru Dawodu, the esteemed House of Representatives member representing Oshodi-Isolo 1 Constituency, has categorically stated that not a single member voiced opposition during the crucial vote to ratify the state of emergency in Rivers State. This clarification comes amid some controversy surrounding the voting process, particularly the use of voice votes. Let’s dive deeper into what this means and why it matters.

Concerns Raised by Senators Over Voice Votes

Naija News highlighted that several senators, including Aminu Tambuwal, Seriake Dickson, and Ireti Kingibe, expressed strong concerns about the use of voice votes in the ratification process. They argued that such votes might not accurately reflect the true sentiments of all members present. Additionally, Obi Aguocha, representing the Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency, joined the chorus of dissent, urging Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to consider a headcount to confirm a proper quorum. However, Dawodu insists that every procedural step taken during the ratification aligns with the established rules of the 10th House, emphasizing the legitimacy and integrity of the process.

Support for President Tinubu’s Decision

Dawodu went on to commend President Bola Tinubu for his decisive action in addressing the crisis in Rivers State. In an exclusive interview with Arise News, the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker explained that the President’s intervention was both timely and constitutional. Dawodu further clarified that if any member had voiced opposition during the voice vote, the House would have switched to an alternative voting method. But as it stands, no such dissent was recorded, making the vote unanimous.

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Understanding the Rules of the Game

“All aspects of governance have their own modus operandi,” Dawodu explained. “The judiciary, the executive, and the National Assembly each operate within their own set of rules. When you’re elected, you don’t just jump into governance; there’s a process. After electing the Speaker, a committee is formed to draft the rules that will govern the Assembly for the next four years. These rules are debated intensely, sometimes controversially, but ultimately they’re passed. And these are the rules we operate under. Section 60 of the Constitution gives the National Assembly the authority to design its own rules as it sees fit.”

He continued, “The idea that a headcount is always necessary is not accurate. Voice votes are a regular part of our daily proceedings. In this specific instance, the honorable member who raised the issue of a headcount was acknowledged by the Speaker, who assured everyone that the number of members present would be disclosed. And it was. If you’re now questioning the validity of a voice vote when 243 members were present, and only 240 were required for a quorum, and no one said ‘nay,’ then the issue of needing a two-thirds majority becomes irrelevant. That’s my take on it.”

A Bigger Picture: Prioritizing the People of Rivers

Dawodu emphasized the importance of focusing on the bigger picture. “Let’s not lose sight of why we’re here. The folks in Rivers voted for a functioning government. They elected their assembly and their governor. These leaders were once aligned, but now they’re facing a situation where the governor is effectively sidelined, leaving the people underserved. Instead of scrutinizing every procedural detail, we should ask ourselves if the situation in Rivers is better now. My answer is yes. Did the President act constitutionally? Absolutely. And we’ll continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that political leaders come together to resolve this issue constructively, without dragging the entire nation into it. Hopefully, we’ll see progress soon.”

This explanation from Dawodu sheds light on the complexities of legislative processes and underscores the importance of maintaining focus on the needs of the people. It’s a reminder that while procedural debates are essential, the ultimate goal is to ensure stability and progress for all Nigerians.