Dawodu Bashiru, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has defended the use of a voice vote to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Many Nigerians have opposed both the emergency declaration and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state’s elected officials. Critics argue that the National Assembly should have either rejected the decision or followed a more transparent voting process.

Despite the controversy, the House of Representatives proceeded with a voice vote, a method where lawmakers verbally express approval or disapproval instead of using electronic voting. This move has sparked further debate, but Bashiru insists it was done within the law.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Bashiru, who represents Oshodi/Isolo in Lagos State, stated that the House has the authority to decide its voting method.

He explained that while electronic voting is sometimes used—such as during the election of a Speaker—the rules allow for different voting methods in different situations.

“I think every day in our practice, we do voice voting. I don’t think this particular situation is different,” Bashiru said.

The situation in Rivers State remains tense following Tinubu’s declaration. Many Nigerians continue to question the legality and transparency of the process, but lawmakers like Bashiru maintain that the voice vote was legitimate.