The Nigerian National Assembly has drawn heavy criticism for its swift endorsement of President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State. In a move that has sparked outrage and accusations of constitutional overreach, both the Senate and the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the President's decision, including the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

The endorsement was reached through voice votes in both chambers, a method that has been deemed inappropriate for such a critical decision by several prominent figures. Critics argue that the voice vote obscures individual lawmakers' positions, preventing their constituents from holding them accountable. This lack of transparency has fueled suspicions that the lawmakers were either coerced or induced to support the President's proclamation.

Prior to the National Assembly's decision, there were calls from various quarters for the lawmakers to reject President Tinubu's request. Labour Party Presidential candidate Peter Obi urged lawmakers from his party to oppose the move, while former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka advocated for continued mediation between political actors in Rivers State instead of resorting to emergency powers.

Despite these appeals, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, proceeded with the approval. The Senate even added a provision to invoke Section 11 of Section 4 of the constitution, granting the National Assembly oversight authority over the administration of Rivers State during the emergency.

However, this decision has been met with strong condemnation. Femi Okurounmu, a former senator, argued that the voice vote undermines representative democracy by preventing constituents from knowing how their representatives voted on the matter. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also expressed dismay, warning that the endorsement could embolden President Tinubu to take similar actions in other states where the opposition is in power.

The National Assembly's actions have raised serious questions about the state of democracy in Nigeria. Critics argue that the lawmakers have failed to uphold their constitutional duties and have instead succumbed to political pressure. The use of voice votes, the disregard for dissenting opinions, and the swift approval of the President's proclamation have all contributed to a sense of disillusionment and distrust in the legislative process.

Meanwhile, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has refuted allegations that he failed to dissuade attacks on oil installations and abandoned the Rivers State House of Assembly complex after its demolition. He attributed some of the tensions in the state to controversial comments made by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and accused Wike's supporters of stoking unrest.

As the State of Emergency in Rivers State unfolds, the National Assembly's role in the process remains a subject of intense scrutiny. The lawmakers' decision to endorse the President's proclamation has sparked a debate about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, and the future of democracy in Nigeria.