How Akpabio Tried to Censor Me During Emergency Rule Debate – Senator Dickson

Senator Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of silencing lawmakers who opposed President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State. Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West, claimed that senators critical of the proclamation were deliberately denied the opportunity to speak during plenary.

President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state House of Assembly for six months. The move sparked nationwide criticism, with many describing it as unconstitutional, particularly the replacement of an elected governor with a sole administrator. Despite the backlash, the National Assembly approved the declaration through a voice vote.

In a statement following the session, Dickson said, “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 the broadcast yesterday, which was the same thing I said on the floor today.” He added that he, alongside Senators Aminu Tambuwal and Eyinnaya Abaribe, was not recognized to speak openly against the motion.

Dickson walked out before the decision was announced, stating he could not be present while something he strongly opposed was being reported. He emphasized that the Senate is a meeting of equals and that no senator needs the permission of the Senate President to speak on national issues in the public domain.

“I want to make it clear that I spoke and voted against the proclamation in our closed session, supported by Senator Tambuwal and a few other senators who were not recognized to speak,” he said.

Dickson also addressed a viral video showing a heated exchange between him and Akpabio, saying he had maintained composure despite what he described as “unnecessary and unexpected attempts at intimidation.”

While acknowledging efforts by Senate leadership to moderate the terms of the emergency declaration, he stressed that the core issue of constitutionality remains. He urged the judiciary to intervene and called on Nigerians not to be dismayed by the state of the country’s democracy.

“For someone like me who has been in the trenches over the years, all these challenges are actually a call to duty,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Rivers State.”