Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) strongly opposed the Senate’s handling of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Thursday.
The Senate and House of Representatives both passed and adopted Tinubu’s emergency rule proclamation, which includes a six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s lawmakers. However, the process in the Senate sparked controversy, particularly after a voice vote was used to approve the measure.
Dickson Challenges Akpabio’s Handling of Proceedings
Dickson, a former Bayelsa State governor, raised a point of order, insisting that Senate rules required a closed-door session before deliberating on such a critical matter. But Akpabio, appearing dismissive, refused to acknowledge his objection.
“Senator Seriake Dickson, let’s not argue. If we argue, it won’t be good for any of us,” Akpabio said, cutting him off.
“We are all distinguished people. You were a former governor, and I was a former governor. Please turn off your mic and sit down. I watched you on television. You said whatever the Senate does, the Senate will never go with you.”
Unfazed, Dickson responded, demanding respect from the Senate President.
“Mr. Senate President, you know we must have mutual respect for all our colleagues. And I do have regard for you, particularly, as our presiding officer, and I think that should be reciprocal,” he said.
Dickson maintained that the Senate failed to follow procedure, emphasizing that such an important decision required proper deliberation, not a rushed voice vote.
Senate and Reps Approve Emergency Rule
Despite the protest, Akpabio moved forward with proceedings, citing Senate Orders 133, 134, 135, and 136. The proclamation was subsequently passed, mirroring an earlier approval by the House of Representatives, where 243 lawmakers voted through a voice vote.
READ ALSO: Senator Dickson Condemns Rivers Emergency Rule, Calls for Political Resolution
Tinubu’s letter to the Senate, read aloud by Akpabio, outlined the emergency rule’s key provisions:
A state of emergency in Rivers State.
Suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the State Assembly.
Appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Administrator.
The House of Representatives also recommended that the National Assembly take over legislative activities in Rivers State for six months and that a national committee be set up to restore peace.
Criticism Mounts Over Legislative Process
The passage of the emergency rule has drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning the legitimacy of using a voice vote for such a crucial decision. Critics argue that bypassing a proper debate undermines democratic principles and the constitutional process.
The controversy adds to the already tense political climate in Rivers State, where Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, have been locked in a fierce power struggle. The emergency rule now sets the stage for a new phase of political battles, both within the state and at the national level.