‘Two-Thirds Cannot Be Achieved Through Voice Vote’ – Atedo Peterside Warns

Atedo Peterside, the Founder of Anap Foundation and Jets, has stated that two-thirds of the National Assembly cannot be determined through a voice vote. He urged the Assembly’s leaders to abandon voice votes when deciding on the State of Emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking on Thursday, Peterside, who is also the founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank, emphasized that lawmakers should identify themselves as they vote for or against the resolution to ratify the President’s emergency actions.

He said, “On the Rivers State Crisis, all eyes are on the National Assembly. A two-thirds majority cannot be achieved via a voice vote. Members voting for or against the Resolution to ratify the President’s Emergency actions must identify themselves and cast their votes individually.”

The National Assembly had adjourned until Thursday to vote on the State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State by President Tinubu in response to the political crisis there.

Prominent figures, including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Afam Osigwe, the NBA Chairman, have condemned the use of force in the state. They argue that while the President has the right to declare a State of Emergency, he does not have the authority to remove an elected Governor or Deputy. They warn that it sets a dangerous precedent that could harm the country’s democracy.

Two-thirds of lawmakers are needed to support this action. However, according to TheCable, lawmakers on the side of the President are struggling to secure the necessary votes, which is why the voting was adjourned until Thursday.