Senator Seriake Dickson representing Bayelsa West has explained his decision to walk out of the Senate chamber during the deliberation on the emergency rule imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, citing concerns over constitutionality.
The Senate after a closed-door session approved the president’s emergency rule in Rivers state.
Akpabio announced, “The Senate, invoking the powers conferred on it by Section 305 (2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, approves the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State as declared by Mr. President.”
The Senate also resolved that the declaration should be subject to review and possible termination by the president at any time within a six-month period.
Additionally, lawmakers invoked Section 11(4) of the Constitution, which allows the National Assembly to establish a joint ad hoc committee of both chambers to oversee the administration of Rivers State during the emergency period.
Dickson in a Facebook post on Thursday evening after the approval, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to discuss such a critical issue behind closed doors.
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The lawmaker who had earlier called for a closed-door session after reading from the rule book on the floor stated that the Senate should have allowed an open debate, ensuring transparency and full participation by all members.
“The issue of the President’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State came up for discussion, and as I have stated repeatedly, I raised my objections in the closed session.
“ The declaration fell short of constitutional prescription, based on my view as a Democrat sworn to uphold the Nigerian constitution,” he stated.
He further appreciated Senator Aminu Tambuwal for his strong opposition to the emergency declaration, particularly regarding the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State.
He said, “The Senate did not undertake the debate in an open session, however, it was quite robust.
“I want to thank Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for his strong support against the unconstitutionality of the declaration, especially the aspect that deals with the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State government.”
Dickson noted that despite opposition from some senators, the majority supported the proclamation, leading to his decision to leave the chamber before the Senate President reported the outcome.
“At the end of the day, the majority of the senators supported the proclamation as no room was given for an open debate at plenary.
“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 was being reported. I believe Senator Tambuwal, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, and others equally left too,” he added.
He reiterated his firm stance against the emergency rule and commended those who shared his views, even though they were not recognized to speak.
He acknowledged the efforts to modify the declaration but maintained that the primary issue of constitutionality remained unresolved.
“I am aware of efforts made to modify the declaration due to concerns raised over the past few days. Though I acknowledge these efforts, theoretically, they do not counter the primary issue of constitutionality,” Dickson stated.
Expressing displeasure over what he described as an attempt to silence him, the senator referred to a viral video showing an exchange between him and the Senate President before the closed session.
He stressed, “As I said on the floor, the Senate President was very unfair to me by trying to censor my freedom of expression and by deliberately misrepresenting the import of what I said in my earlier broadcast, which was the same stance I took on the floor today.
“My opposition remains in principle against the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of elected officials.”
Dickson affirmed his commitment to democratic principles and vowed to formally express his displeasure to the Senate leadership to prevent future occurrences.
“The Senate is a meeting of equals, and everyone should be respected just as we accord respect to the Chair. No senator needs the permission of the Senate President to express an opinion on a topical matter of national interest that is in the public domain,” he argued.
The senator encouraged Nigerians to stand up for democracy, stating that such challenges serve as a call to duty.
“For someone like me who has been in the trenches over the years, all these challenges are actually a call to duty. I implore all people of goodwill to come together and ensure that participatory democracy is promoted in our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Rivers State,” he concluded.
