… Alleges suppression by Akpabio
As Nigeria marked Democracy Day on Thursday, Senator Seriake Dickson launched a scathing critique of the federal government’s handling of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, accusing President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Senate of undermining the principles of democracy.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Assembly shortly after the President’s national address, Dickson expressed dismay that on a day meant to celebrate democratic values, the President failed to address what he described as “a dangerous erosion of constitutional rule” in Rivers State.
“Democracy is about hope, hope for a better tomorrow,” the Bayelsa West Senator said.
“But today, many Nigerians are not happy. And the events in the Senate chamber this morning only deepened that despair.”
The former Bayelsa governor recounted how the Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, ignored his attempt to raise a constitutional point of order after President Tinubu’s communication on new appointments in Rivers State was read.
According to him, the Senate President’s refusal to acknowledge the point was a violation of his rights as a senator and an affront to democratic procedure.
Read also: President Tinubu’s ‘Democracy Day’ speech: A deep dive
“I will communicate my displeasure formally to him,” Dickson said.
“Every senator, regardless of party or position, has a constitutional right to be heard.”
Dickson described the President’s letter to the Senate as an endorsement of what he termed “the unconstitutional military-style governance in Rivers State.”
He warned that allowing such actions to go unchallenged could set a precedent that threatens democracy across the country.
“Why choose Democracy Day, of all days, to affirm actions that are clearly undemocratic and illegal?” he asked. “What is happening in Rivers State today could happen in Lagos or Kano tomorrow.”
While acknowledging some commendable rhetoric in Tinubu’s national broadcast, Dickson said the speech fell short of addressing urgent threats to democratic governance.
He said, “Yes, the President made fine declarations about democratic ideals, and rightly honoured those who fought for civil rule. But democracy is not built on fine words alone; it is sustained by concrete actions.”
Senator Dickson stressed that his concern was not about political affiliation or regional sentiment, but about defending the constitutional rights of the people of Rivers State.
“This is not about Governor Fubara or his political party. This is about our Constitution. If we fail to speak out now, we endanger the future of our democracy for every Nigerian, North, South, East, and West,” he said.
Dickson further warned that the silence on Rivers State is not just a political oversight but a “loud message” that could embolden anti-democratic tendencies across the federation.
“No one holds power forever. And no one should abuse that power to subvert the will of the people,” he said.
Earlier before the president’s National Address, Tinubu had written to the National Assembly to confirm the appointment of the state’s Civil Service and Local Government Service Commissions.
Akpabio made this known while reading the President’s letter on Thursday, when the Senate converged for plenary before heading to the Green Chamber for a joint session.
For the Civil Service Commission Appointees: Dr. Livinus Bariki, Chairman; Lot Peter Egopija, Member; Maeve Ere Bestman, Member. Joy Obiaju, Member; and Charity Lloyd Harry, Member.
For the Local Government Service Commission Appointees: Israel Amadi as Chairman; Linus Nwandem, member; Christabel Ego George Didia, Member; and Tonye Willie Pepple as Member.
Others are Richard Ewoh, a member; Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd) as a member, and Dr. Sammy Apiafi as a member.
The letter was referred to the Senate Committee on Rivers rule and asked to revert in one week.
