Dickson Accuses Akpabio of Intimidation, Explains Senate Walkout
Dickson Walks Out of Senate, Accuses Akpabio of Suppression Over Rivers Emergency
Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has explained why he walked out of the Senate chamber before the approval of the state of emergency in Rivers State.
The former Bayelsa governor and PDP lawmaker strongly opposed the decision, calling it unconstitutional and a threat to democracy. According to Dickson, he and fellow senators, including Aminu Tambuwal and Eyinnaya Abaribe, resisted the emergency rule but were denied an open debate during plenary.
The Senate approved the measure after a closed-door session lasting over an hour, prompting Dickson to exit in protest. His disagreement with Senate President Godswill Akpabio escalated earlier when he raised a point of order, insisting that the Nigerian President must brief the Senate before such a declaration.
Calls for Judicial Review
Dickson argued that suspending elected officials in Rivers State set a dangerous precedent and urged the judiciary to intervene if the decision was legally challenged. He criticized the Senate for blocking an open discussion, stating that the issue should have been debated transparently.
He also accused Akpabio of attempting to silence him and vowed to formally express his displeasure to Senate leadership.
Despite the Senate’s decision, Dickson reaffirmed his commitment to democratic values and called on Nigerians to defend constitutional governance.
Dickson Accuses Akpabio of Intimidation, Explains Senate Walkout