₦airaland Forum

My dear brothers and sisters, Members of the Labour Party in the National Assembly,

Since your inauguration as Distinguished, and Honorable members of the National Assembly, I have refrained from interfering in your legislative affairs out of respect for your independence and to allow you to focus on alleviating the suffering of the Nigerian people.

However, at this critical juncture, following 26 years of a deteriorating democratic process marked by disregard for educational qualifications for electoral positions, massive rigging, and now the unconstitutional removal of elected officeholders, I find it necessary to address you. These unconstitutional actions have far-reaching negative implications for our democracy and the will of the people.

I urge you to stand as true defenders of justice. Do not participate in or support any action, decision, or vote that compromises the integrity of our democracy, undermines the interests of the people of Rivers State, or contradicts our core values of fairness, equity, and transparency.

We must not allow ourselves to become instruments of injustice or contribute to the betrayal of the people's mandate. At this moment, we must prioritize what is right over what is wrong or convenient, remaining steadfast in defending the well-being of the people of Rivers State.

Together, let us stand firm in our resolve — because a new Nigeria is possible!

-PO

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 .

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.

The use of a voice vote in such a significant decision not only disregards constitutional requirements but also erodes public trust in the democratic process as well as the transparency and integrity of the National Assembly.

Decisions of such magnitude must be made with integrity, following the letter and spirit of the law. 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 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) clearly requires that such a proclamation must be approved by at least two-thirds of all members of each House; the Senate and the House of Representatives. A simple call of "Aye" or "Nay" cannot accurately measure this crucial threshold.

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.

The Senate Standing Orders and House Rules were established to ensure that decisions of this magnitude are made transparently, with accountability. Ignoring these procedures is not just an oversight; it is a betrayal of the democratic process.

A voice vote for such a critical matter is not just insufficient; it's a dangerous precedent. If we can bend the rules so easily, what stops us from undermining other pillars of democracy?
Today, it's a voice vote on a state of emergency, tomorrow it could be a voice vote on citizens' fundamental rights.

It is painful to think that members of the National Assembly, who swore to uphold the Constitution, could participate in a process that sidesteps the very essence of due process.

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. -PO

"...I urge you to stand as true defenders of justice. Do not participate in or support any action, decision, or vote that compromises the integrity of our democracy, undermines the interests of the people of Rivers State, or contradicts our core values of fairness, equity, and transparency.

We must not allow ourselves to become instruments of injustice or contribute to the betrayal of the people's mandate..."

tundegan:
Peter Obi don dey use grammar to beg them to do the right thing. They should just tell him they are not interested in his LP anymore.

Racoon:
Screw all the LP NASS members. Posterity will never be kind to all of you. The facts remains that actions come back to hunt and they hunt real bad.

Salewa97:
Peter Obi should just fold his tent and go home.

This is the last card for him.

CSTRR:
You would like that , wouldn't you?

Clown.

VnAhunnaPl:
Obi dont beg LP members

Racoon:
It is on record Peter Obi appealed to the conscience and soul of these rogues that have been bought over by the "grab it, snatch it and run away with it" crook? What else do you expect?

Guess you saw how he bamboozled the LSHOA members into accepting Mudashiru Obasa back with executive fiat and impunity? Guess this is the system you dearly loved? Continue!

Obiedun:
"I Voted In Support Of Emergency Rule In Rivers; I Counseled Fubara To Show Humility, He Didn't Listen"
Hon Ugochinyere

Elusive001:
You are addressing those who have sold their souls to the devil. The evil they support today will find them.

Obiedun:
You are pained. Kikikikikkikikikiki.
See this,:
"I Voted In Support Of Emergency Rule In Rivers; I Counseled Fubara To Show Humility, He Didn't Listen"
Hon Ugochinyere

Elusive001:
I weep for you and your kind. You don't understand the evil you have setup that will haunt you and your generations to come. Many men who set up and supported evil had taste of it later in life. Bros support your evil and injistice but remember that they will come knocking on your door one day, sometime, somewhere, somehow

Elusive001:
I weep for you and your kind. You don't understand the evil you have setup that will haunt you and your generations to come. Many men who set up and supported evil had taste of it later in life. Bros support your evil and injistice but remember that they will come knocking on your door one day, sometime, somewhere, somehow

Racoon:
Screw all the LP NASS members. Posterity will never be kind to all of you. The facts remains that actions come back to hunt and they hunt real bad.

seunmsg:
Obi went on twitter to mobilize Lp members not to vote in support of the emergency declaration while Tinubu and his foot soldiers reached out to them directly to get their support. The outcome is out already. Now, we can all see who is competent and who is incompetent.

DomPerignon:
The few remaining LP legislators no send your fraud .


They are even planning to defect sef.

CSTRR:
Peter obi got over 6 million votes, winning atleast 12 states in 2023.

All those LP in the NASS rode on his wings.
He doesn't need them. They need him.

Whether you like it or not, Your tinubu will test his popularity against him in 2027 again.

Obiedun:
"I Voted In Support Of Emergency Rule In Rivers; I Counseled Fubara To Show Humility, He Didn't Listen"
Hon Ugochinyere

DomPerignon:
I get am before no be property

He will be lucky to get up to 5% votes outside his yeast come 2027

CSTRR:
Because tinubu has been an outstanding president.?

Nigerians are now living in luxury, food is cheap, and security is now top notch.
Everybody is happy with tinubu, and standard of living is now comparable to Botswana.
The Poverty rate is also now below 2%.

That must be the reason why you think obi would perform poorly than in 2023.

DomPerignon:
I get am before no be property

He will be lucky to get up to 5% votes outside his yeast come 2027