Group demands inquiry into NASS state of emergency vote

A civil society group, Citizens’ Solution Network, has called for an independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the authenticity of the voting process by the National Assembly on the recent state of emergency declared in Rivers State.

In a statement issued on Saturday, March 22, 2025, by its Country Director, Richard Inoyo, the group expressed concerns that the voting process may have been manipulated, raising doubts about whether those who participated were actual serving lawmakers or unidentified individuals brought in to influence the outcome. The group said it has received messages from Nigerians across the country questioning the legitimacy of the process.

To address these concerns, the group is proposing a Commission of Inquiry comprising civil rights activists, journalists, constitutional lawyers, student leaders, trade unionists, and forensic scientists. This commission, according to the group, will examine the true identities of those present in the National Assembly chambers during the voice vote and verify whether the process adhered to constitutional provisions or violated them.

The group also seeks to investigate whether bribery played a role in influencing the outcome, both before and after the vote. Furthermore, it will assess whether the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate President acted in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) or exceeded their authority in allowing the voice vote on a matter of national importance.

Another key focus of the proposed inquiry is the speed with which the state of emergency was implemented. The group is questioning why military troops were deployed to the Rivers State Government House and why the appointed sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibokete Ibas (rtd.), was sworn in before the National Assembly had officially deliberated on the matter.

Citizens’ Solution Network argues that if these actions were found to have undermined constitutional processes, they could set a dangerous precedent for future governance in Nigeria. As part of its efforts, the group is calling for nominations of qualified individuals from various professional backgrounds to participate in the Commission of Inquiry. Interested persons are encouraged to submit their names and contact details via a designated WhatsApp number.

The group emphasized that this initiative is entirely citizen-led and has no affiliation with the government. It stated that the findings of the commission will have far-reaching consequences for the country’s democracy and governance.