Akpabio Tried to Silence Me for Opposing Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers – Seriake Dickson
Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of attempting to censor him during a plenary session where he opposed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, revealed that he led a walkout from the Senate chamber on March 20, 2025, in protest against the approval of the emergency rule, which he described as unconstitutional.
In a statement issued on Friday, Dickson explained that he had raised objections during a closed session, arguing that the declaration did not meet constitutional requirements. He was joined in his protest by other senators, including Aminu Tambuwal and Enyinnaya Abaribe, who also opposed the majority resolution.
Senate’s Approval of Emergency Rule
The Senate approved President Tinubu’s request for a state of emergency in Rivers State through a voice vote, bypassing the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority required for such a significant decision. Dickson criticized the move, stating that the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State violated constitutional provisions.
“I left the plenary before the Senate President was directed to report the outcome because I didn’t want to be present while what I opposed is being reported,” Dickson said. “I believe Senator Tambuwal, Senator Abaribe, and others equally left too.”
Allegations of Censorship
Dickson accused Senate President Akpabio of attempting to censor him during the plenary session. He claimed that Akpabio misrepresented his statements when he tried to raise a point of order for the Senate to go into an executive session.
“The Senate President was very unfair to me by trying to censor my freedom of expression,” Dickson said. “No senator needs the permission of the Senate President to express an opinion on a topical matter of national interest.”
Dickson stated that he intends to meet with Akpabio to formally express his displeasure and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
Call for Democratic Vigilance
Dickson urged his constituents, Nigerians, and people of goodwill not to be dismayed by the current state of democracy in the country. He described the challenges as a call to duty and emphasized the need for collective efforts to promote participatory democracy in Nigeria.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Rivers State,” he added.
Implications for Nigeria’s Democracy
The Senate’s decision to approve the state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning the legality of the move and the suspension of elected officials. Dickson’s protest highlights the tension between the executive and legislative branches of government and raises concerns about the erosion of democratic principles.
The matter is expected to be challenged in the judiciary, as Dickson hinted that the ball is now in the court of other arms of government to address the constitutional concerns raised.
Next Steps
As the controversy continues, stakeholders are calling for a more robust and transparent debate on issues of national importance. The outcome of the legal challenges to the emergency rule will have significant implications for Nigeria’s democracy and the balance of power between federal and state governments.
Dickson’s stance serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding democratic institutions and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.
