The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has been at the forefront of this undemocratic practice
As I write this article, I am compelled to express my utmost concern and disappointment at the blatant disregard for transparency and accountability in the Nigerian Senate. The recent trend of using voice votes to pass crucial bills and motions is a travesty of democracy and a betrayal of the trust reposed in our elected representatives.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has been at the forefront of this undemocratic practice, using voice votes to railroad important legislation without allowing senators to take a clear stance ¹ ². This is a clear subversion of the democratic process and a negation of the principles of transparency and accountability.
In other climes, senators and members of parliament are required to take a clear stance on important issues by voting openly and transparently. This is the case in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, where elected representatives are held accountable for their actions and decisions. Why should Nigeria be any different?
The use of voice votes in the Nigerian Senate is a deliberate attempt to shield corrupt and incompetent members from accountability. By not taking a clear stance on important issues, senators are able to avoid scrutiny and accountability, thereby perpetuating a culture of corruption and impunity.
This practice also negates the core of democracy, which is founded on the principles of transparency, accountability, and representation. When elected representatives fail to take a clear stance on important issues, they fail to represent the interests of their constituents. This is a betrayal of the trust reposed in them and a subversion of the democratic process.
Furthermore, the use of voice votes undermines the ability of citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable. When citizens are not aware of how their representatives vote on important issues, they are unable to make informed decisions at the polls. This perpetuates a cycle of ignorance and disempowerment, which is antithetical to the principles of democracy.
In conclusion, the use of voice votes in the Nigerian Senate is a rape of democracy and a betrayal of the trust reposed in our elected representatives. It is a deliberate attempt to shield corrupt and incompetent members from accountability and perpetuate a culture of corruption and impunity.
As citizens, we must demand more from our elected representatives. We must insist on transparency and accountability in the decision-making process. We must reject the use of voice votes and demand that our representatives take a clear stance on important issues.
Only then can we begin to rebuild our democracy and restore the trust that has been lost.
Uche Victor Nwaneri
Media Consultant and Programs Manager, Wazobia FM Lagos.
