In a dramatic revelation, Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of attempting to silence him for opposing President Bola Tinubu’s controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, led a walkout from the Senate chamber on March 20, 2025, in protest against what he described as a flagrant violation of constitutional provisions. The Senate, through a voice vote, approved Tinubu’s request, sidestepping the two-thirds majority required by law for such a consequential decision.
In a strongly worded statement on Friday, Dickson condemned the Senate’s action as unconstitutional, asserting that the move to suspend elected officials in Rivers State was a direct assault on democracy. He was not alone in his dissent—Senators Aminu Tambuwal and Enyinnaya Abaribe joined him in rejecting the resolution, highlighting deep divisions within the legislative chamber.
During a closed-door session, Dickson had passionately argued against the emergency rule, warning that it failed to meet constitutional requirements. He specifically commended Tambuwal for his unwavering support in challenging the legality of the declaration.
“I left the plenary before the Senate President reported the outcome because I refused to be complicit in an unconstitutional act,” Dickson stated. “Senator Tambuwal, Senator Abaribe, and others also walked out in protest.”
While acknowledging attempts by Senate leadership and the presidency to modify the declaration in response to concerns raised by dissenting senators, Dickson insisted that the fundamental constitutional breach remained unaddressed.
“The beauty of democracy is that the minority has its say while the majority has its way,” he noted. “However, I would have preferred a more transparent and robust debate where all opinions could be freely expressed.”
Beyond the controversial emergency rule, Dickson took direct aim at Akpabio, accusing him of censorship and attempting to suppress his right to speak on critical national issues.
“The Senate President was very unfair to me, trying to curtail my freedom of expression,” Dickson alleged. “No senator needs permission from the Senate President to voice an opinion on matters of national interest.”
According to Dickson, Akpabio misrepresented his statements and denied him the opportunity to move for an executive session, a move he believes was aimed at stifling dissent.
Vowing to formally express his displeasure in a meeting with Akpabio, Dickson emphasized the need to prevent such authoritarian tendencies from taking root in the Senate.
Urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, Dickson described the unfolding events as a defining moment for democracy. He called on his constituents and the broader Nigerian populace to stand firm in defending democratic values, warning that silence in the face of constitutional violations could set a dangerous precedent.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Rivers State,” he said. “This is a call to duty—to protect participatory democracy and prevent elected officials from being unlawfully removed.”
With the Senate’s decision sparking widespread debate and legal experts questioning the legitimacy of the emergency rule, the matter is expected to face intense judicial scrutiny. As Dickson hinted, the judiciary now holds the key to determining whether this executive move will stand—or be struck down as unconstitutional.
The battle for democracy is far from over.
PIONEER NEWS 