Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has dismissed claims of an effort to suppress dissenting opinions within the Senate. He disclosed that he and several colleagues opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State during a private session.
In a statement released on Friday, the senator from Bayelsa emphasized that the declaration contravened constitutional regulations, especially regarding the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State.
“I spoke and voted against the proclamation in our closed session, supported by Senator Aminu Tambuwal and a few other senators who were not recognized to speak,” he stated.
Although they made significant attempts, most senators supported the emergency rule without engaging in a public discussion. Dickson criticized the lack of openness in the procedure, highlighting that a healthy democracy relies on transparency.
“I would have wished for a more open and robust debate, so all views could be heard. But as it stands, both chambers have decided, and it is now up to the judiciary to determine the legality of this decision,” he noted.
The senator further alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio was trying to silence and intimidate him. A widely circulated video captured their heated interaction prior to the Senate’s transition into a closed session.
“The Senate President was unfair to me, trying to misrepresent my position and restrict my right to speak,” Dickson remarked that no senator is required to seek approval to voice their opinions on issues of national significance.
Regardless of the result, Dickson pledged to continue being a robust advocate for democracy, encouraging Nigerians to remain vigilant in protecting their rights.
“For me, these challenges are a call to duty. I urge all well-meaning Nigerians to stand together and uphold the principles of participatory democracy,” he declared.
The senator reassured the people of Rivers State of his continued solidarity, emphasizing that their rights and democratic institutions must be protected.
