The Parliamentary Watch Initiative (PWI) has expressed confidence in Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and the 10th House of Representatives, commending their professionalism and commitment to due process in approving the state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a statement on Monday, Matthew Gabriel, executive director of PWI, said the group conducted an independent investigation before arriving at its conclusion, dismissing claims of inducement or undue influence in the House’s decision.
“After carefully reviewing the proceedings and scrutinising the circumstances surrounding the House’s resolution, we can confidently say that the decision was made in line with legislative best practices,” Gabriel said. “Speaker Abbas has proven to be a democrat with the experience and leadership to guide the House in the right direction.”
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He emphasised that the House met the necessary quorum before voting to support President Bola Tinubu’s request for emergency rule in Rivers, refuting allegations that the resolution was rushed or improperly handled.
Some lawmakers, especially those not from the ruling All Progressives Congress, had criticized the use of a voice vote in approving the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State. One of such lawmakers, Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Labour Party, said a mere voice vote cannot accurately determine the required two-thirds majority consensus. Kingibe said the Senate standing order and house rules mandate a roll call or electronic voting system to determine numerical compliance for decisions of this magnitude accurately.
“Our independent findings show that lawmakers engaged in thorough deliberations before reaching a decision,” said Gabriel. “The suggestion that this was a hasty or manipulated process is not supported by the facts.”
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Gabriel also rejected claims that lawmakers were bribed to approve the emergency rule, describing such narratives as an attempt to discredit the National Assembly.
“There is no evidence of any financial inducement. The lawmakers acted in the interest of national stability and security,” he said. “The House of Representatives demonstrated professionalism, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law.”
He noted that PWI, as a watchdog organisation, continuously scrutinises parliamentary activities to ensure accountability and adherence to democratic principles.
“Our organisation is dedicated to ensuring that the rule of law is upheld in legislative processes,” he said. “We monitor parliamentary actions to prevent any abuse of power, and in this case, we found no wrongdoing.”
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Gabriel urged Nigerians to trust their elected representatives and reject misinformation aimed at discrediting the National Assembly.
“The 10th House of Representatives, under Speaker Abbas, has proven its independence and dedication to the stability of Nigeria,” he said. “Nigerians should focus on the facts and not be swayed by false narratives.”
He reaffirmed PWI’s support for the House, stating that its decision on Rivers State reflects a commitment to constitutional governance and the preservation of democracy.
“We commend the leadership of the House for upholding democratic values despite external pressures,” he said. “Ensuring national security and stability should be the priority, and that is exactly what Speaker Abbas and his colleagues have done.”
