Tambuwal, Others & I Opposed Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers During Closed Session – Dickson (Full Statement)

Senator Henry Seriake Dickson’s Statement on the State of Emergency in Rivers State

Today, during the Senate sitting, the issue of the President’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State was brought up for discussion. As I have repeatedly stated, I raised my objections during the closed session, arguing that the declaration fell short of constitutional prescriptions. This stance is based on my commitment as a democrat sworn to uphold the Nigerian Constitution.

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While the Senate did not debate the matter in an open session, the discussions were quite robust. I want to thank Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for his strong support in highlighting the unconstitutionality of the declaration, particularly the suspension of elected officials in the Rivers State government.

At the end of the day, the majority of senators supported the proclamation, as no opportunity was provided for an open debate at plenary. I left the plenary before the Senate President was directed to report the outcome because I did not want to be present while a decision I opposed was being announced. I believe Senator Tambuwal, Senator Abaribe, and a few others also left.

I want to make it clear that, as I have stated repeatedly, I spoke and voted against the proclamation in our closed session. I was supported by Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and a few other senators who were not given the opportunity to speak. I deeply appreciate all the senators who shared and supported the views I vigorously defended.

I am, however, aware of efforts to modify the declaration in response to the concerns we have raised over the past few days. While I acknowledge the attempt by the Senate leadership and the President to adjust the terms of the declaration and introduce oversight mechanisms, this does not resolve the fundamental issue of constitutionality.

The beauty of democracy lies in the principle that the minority will have their say, while the majority will have their way. I would have preferred a more open and robust debate where all views and opinions could be openly expressed, as I specifically requested during the closed session. However, both chambers have now decided, and the matter is in the hands of the other arms of government, particularly the judiciary, in the event of any legal challenge.

My attention has also been drawn to a viral video showing parts of the unfortunate exchange between the Senate President and me before we dissolved into a closed session.

As I stated on the floor, the Senate President was unfair to me by attempting to censor my right to free expression and by deliberately misrepresenting the essence of my remarks in yesterday’s broadcast, which were the same points I reiterated today. My opposition remains, in principle, to the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of elected officials.

I sincerely thank all those who have reached out to commend my composure in the face of an unnecessary and unexpected attempt at intimidation. Everyone, including the Senate President, knows that I have long moved beyond such tactics.

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As I have always maintained, the Senate is a meeting of equals, and every senator deserves respect, just as we accord respect to the Chair. No senator requires the permission of the Senate President to express an opinion in an interview on a matter of national interest that is already in the public domain.

I intend to meet with the Senate President to formally express my displeasure and ensure that such incidents do not recur.

I also extend my gratitude to my constituents, fellow Nigerians, and all people of goodwill who have reached out in solidarity. I urge them not to be discouraged by the current direction our democracy appears to be taking.

For someone like me, who has been in the trenches for years, these challenges are simply a call to duty. I, therefore, implore all well-meaning citizens to come together and ensure that participatory democracy is upheld and strengthened in our country.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Rivers State.

Henry Seriake Dickson