How failure to form quorum stalled Reps debate on Rivers’ State of Emergency  

THE GUARDIAN

The House of Representatives on Wednesday failed to debate President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as lawmakers could not form the constitutionally required two-thirds majority needed for the ratification of such a declaration.
Despite expectations that the President’s formal proclamation would be read and deliberated upon as announced by the House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, yesterday, proceedings continued at the lower chamber on Wednesday without any reference to the emergency rule.

According to Section 305(2) and (6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, a presidential declaration of emergency must be transmitted to the National Assembly and approved by two-thirds of all members of each chamber for it to take effect.

For the House of Representatives, this means at least 240 out of 360 members must vote in favor of the declaration.

However, Wednesday’s plenary, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, proceeded without the required quorum as many members were not present, including the Speaker, Tajudeen Abass.

It was not clear, however, if the lawmakers intentionally stayed away from the plenary session.

However, The Guardian observed that a similar scenario played out on Tuesday when the House passed the tax reform bills.

Many lawmakers were absent on Tuesday. On Wednesday, many seats were empty as the lawmakers present were not up to 100.

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