In an unprecedented development, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, are reportedly using WhatsApp voice notes to rally support among National Assembly members for the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's declaration of an emergency rule in Rivers State.
Sources have revealed that both leaders are employing WhatsApp voice messages in an effort to expedite the approval process for the emergency rule, which the President has called for in response to escalating security challenges in Rivers State. The use of voice notes is being seen as an unconventional yet urgent attempt to ensure swift action by lawmakers amid growing concerns over the state's safety.
The National Assembly's role in approving or rejecting the President’s request is critical, and Akpabio and Abass are under immense pressure to mobilize support across party lines. The move has raised eyebrows, with political analysts questioning the reliance on such informal communication channels for a matter of such national importance.
Political observers have expressed concerns about the legality and appropriateness of using WhatsApp voice notes to lobby lawmakers on such a critical issue. However, those close to the leadership of the National Assembly argue that given the pressing nature of the emergency and the current security situation in Rivers, they are exploring all available avenues to ensure the President’s request is quickly addressed.
The request for an emergency rule in Rivers State follows a surge in violence and criminal activity in the region, with calls for immediate intervention to restore law and order. President Tinubu has emphasized that the move is necessary to curb the growing instability that threatens the well-being of residents and the broader region.