Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has rejected an alleged attempt to silence opposing voices in the Senate, revealing how he and a few colleagues stood against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State during a closed-door session.
The Bayelsa senator, in a statement, on Friday, insisted that the proclamation violated constitutional provisions, particularly 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.
Despite their efforts, the majority of senators backed the emergency rule without an open debate. Dickson decried the secrecy of the process, emphasising that democracy thrives 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 also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of attempting to censor and intimidate him. A viral video showed their tense exchange before the Senate entered a closed session.
“The Senate President was unfair to me, trying to misrepresent my position and restrict my right to speak,” Dickson stated, adding that no senator needs permission to express views on a matter of national interest.
Despite the outcome, Dickson vowed to remain a strong voice for democracy, urging Nigerians to stay alert in defending 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, emphasising that their rights and democratic institutions must be protected.
