On March 21, 2025, Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the Labour Party, ignited a firestorm of debate with a detailed press release posted on X. In her statement, Kingibe vehemently opposed the National Assembly’s use of voice voting to ratify President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that it violates the Nigerian Constitution’s requirement for a two-thirds majority vote, which must be accurately recorded through roll-call, division, or electronic voting.
The controversy stems from President Tinubu’s emergency proclamation on March 18, 2025, following a devastating blast to the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Rivers State, a key oil-producing region. According to Section 305(2) & (6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), such a proclamation requires approval by at least two-thirds of all members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Kingibe’s post, accompanied by a formal press release, asserts that voice votes—where lawmakers simply say “Aye” or “Nay”—cannot reliably measure this supermajority, undermining constitutional integrity and public accountability.
“As custodians of the Laws of the Land and specifically the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Assembly must jealously guard this role,” Kingibe wrote. She stressed that National Assembly members, as direct representatives of the people, must ensure transparency through recorded votes, holding both themselves and the President accountable for decisions of such magnitude.
Background on Kingibe and the Crisis
Ireti Heebah Kingibe, a civil engineer and politician born on June 2, 1954, has been a prominent figure since her election to the Senate in 2023. Known for her commitment to public service, including pledging her salary to rural infrastructure projects in the FCT, Kingibe has built a reputation as a vocal advocate for constitutional adherence and good governance. Her opposition to voice voting aligns with her broader political stance, though some critics point to her silence on other issues, such as the political challenges faced by fellow FCT Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The state of emergency in Rivers State, declared amid a political crisis and pipeline vandalism, has deepened Nigeria’s national unrest. President Tinubu justified the move as necessary to restore peace and order, but the National Assembly’s ratification process—conducted via voice vote—has drawn sharp scrutiny, with Kingibe at the forefront of the criticism.
Reactions on X: Praise, Skepticism, and Outrage
Kingibe’s post on X (post ID: 1903045165465452687) quickly garnered attention, eliciting a range of responses from Nigerians on the platform. While some praised her stance, others questioned her timing and motives, reflecting the polarized nature of Nigerian politics.
- Supportive Voices: Users like @HAHayatu commended Kingibe, saying, “Well done. However, since you and the National Assembly have an electronic voting system that results can come in seconds, kindly outlaw the use of voice votes in the National Assembly as clearly there is no justice and fair play in its use.” Similarly, @TheRealEmma22 echoed this sentiment, urging implementation of her message to ensure fairness.
- Skepticism and Criticism: Many users expressed frustration with Kingibe’s decision to voice her concerns on social media rather than in the Senate chamber. @SimoncoleB accused her of hypocrisy, asking, “Senator @IretiKingibe, did you collect $25,000 to voice vote for the destruction of Nigeria? Did you? Coward!” Others, like @tobyasky, questioned her timing, stating, “Since when did Twitter abi X become the Senate Chambers. What did you do? Where was your voice before the votes not after. The deed has been done and now you draft a long epistle.”
- Political Rivalries and Doubts: Some responses hinted at political rivalries and doubts about Kingibe’s consistency. @Inno4Chi remarked, “Lollll why didn’t you raise it in the house, why on social media? Also, you’ve found your voice now, with Natasha’s issues, where were you?” Meanwhile, @IbizugbeAndre predicted political repercussions, stating, “You’re not coming back whether you supported the motion or not.”
- Outrage and Dismissal: Several users, including @educatedlawyer, challenged Kingibe’s credibility, asking, “We didn’t hear your nay in the Assembly. Is social media where you act as a senator?” Others, like @FOdorige, took a more personal jab, referencing perceived political alliances: “That fati bombom that follows Wike like flea, will go back to Senate. You will be retired.”
Constitutional and Political Implications
Kingibe’s argument is grounded in Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates a two-thirds majority for emergency proclamations and implies the need for precise voting mechanisms to ensure compliance. The Senate Standing Orders and House Rules, as she noted, typically require roll-call or electronic voting for decisions of this scale, making voice votes constitutionally questionable for such critical matters.
However, her critics argue that her post on X, rather than a formal objection during the Senate session, undermines her authority and suggests political posturing. The National Assembly’s use of voice voting has long been a point of contention in Nigeria, often criticized for its lack of transparency. Kingibe’s call for recorded votes aligns with broader demands for electoral and legislative reform, but her timing—after the vote—has fueled accusations of opportunism.
Looking Ahead
The controversy surrounding Kingibe’s statement highlights deeper issues in Nigeria’s democratic process, including transparency in legislative voting, the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, and the role of social media in political accountability. As Nigeria navigates the political and economic fallout from the Rivers State crisis, Kingibe’s stance could either bolster her reputation as a constitutional watchdog or deepen divisions within the National Assembly and the Labour Party.
For now, the reactions on X reflect a nation grappling with trust in its leaders, the efficacy of its institutions, and the challenges of ensuring democratic accountability in times of crisis. Whether Kingibe’s voice will resonate beyond social media or face further scrutiny in the Senate remains to be seen, but her post has undeniably sparked a crucial conversation about Nigeria’s constitutional future.
Premier League