Paragraph 1: The Spark of Controversy
The political landscape of Rivers State became a focal point of national attention following a clash between Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, and the Rivers State National Assembly caucus. The controversy ignited during President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day address to the National Assembly. Senator Dickson publicly criticized President Tinubu for omitting any mention of what he termed a "constitutional aberration" unfolding in Rivers State. He expressed his disappointment that the President, in his address, failed to acknowledge the ongoing political situation in the state, which he viewed as a significant deviation from democratic principles. This criticism set the stage for a heated exchange between Senator Dickson and the Rivers State National Assembly caucus.
Paragraph 2: Senator Dickson’s Discontent and Accusations
Senator Dickson’s discontent stemmed from a correspondence from President Tinubu regarding political developments in Rivers State, read aloud during the plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Dickson felt his right to address the constitutional implications of the situation was disregarded by the Senate President, who he accused of rushing through the President’s message and ignoring his attempts to intervene. He likened this perceived suppression of dissent to the tactics of a military regime, contrasting it sharply with the expected conduct of a democratic government. Dickson further accused the Tinubu administration of attempting to legitimize what he considered unconstitutional governance in Rivers State through federal backing. He argued that such actions contradicted the spirit of June 12, a day commemorating Nigeria’s struggle for democracy.
Paragraph 3: Rivers State Caucus Responds with Strong Rebuke
The Rivers State National Assembly caucus responded swiftly and forcefully to Senator Dickson’s criticisms. In a press conference, the caucus leader, Kingsley Chinda, characterized Dickson’s utterances as not only inciteful but also unbecoming of a lawmaker, particularly one with a background in law enforcement as a former police officer. The caucus vehemently denied Dickson’s assertion that Rivers State was under military rule, clarifying that the current administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, although a former military officer, was now operating under civilian laws and democratic oversight. They argued that describing the current administration as a "military rule" was a misleading and intellectually dishonest characterization of the situation.
Paragraph 4: Justification for the State of Emergency
The Rivers State caucus defended the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, asserting that it was a necessary constitutional measure taken to preserve peace, protect lives, and restore institutional order. They argued that the decision was not taken lightly but was prompted by what they described as rising political instability, executive recklessness, and a disregard for democratic institutions. They emphasized that the Supreme Court judgement of February 28, 2025 had affirmed the absence of a functioning government in Rivers State. The caucus maintained that President Tinubu’s intervention prevented the escalation of violence and a complete systemic breakdown, a crisis they believed was imminent without swift action.
Paragraph 5: Constitutional Basis and Alleged Hypocrisy
The caucus insisted that the state of emergency was not a breach of the Constitution but rather a legitimate tool provided under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to restore order when democratic structures are threatened. They pointed to the suspended Governor Fubara’s public expression of gratitude to President Tinubu for declaring the state of emergency as evidence that the intervention was welcomed and necessary. The caucus criticized Senator Dickson for what they perceived as hypocrisy, emphasizing his past actions and accusing him of promoting ethnic bigotry and biases that contributed to the political instability in Rivers State. They questioned his credibility and competence to speak on matters of democracy, given his alleged role in exacerbating the situation.
Paragraph 6: Accusations of Inciting Disorder and Call for Investigation
The Rivers State caucus further accused Senator Dickson of making undemocratic utterances capable of inciting disorder in the state, particularly at a time when citizens were striving for peace. They called on security agencies to monitor Dickson’s activities and urged the Senate Committee on Ethics to investigate what they considered his unparliamentary actions in Rivers State. The caucus strongly condemned Dickson’s intervention in the affairs of Rivers State, viewing it as unwarranted interference and an attempt to destabilize the state. The statement issued by the caucus was signed by multiple members of the National Assembly representing Rivers State, demonstrating a unified front against Senator Dickson’s criticisms and actions.
