A Nigerian senator has criticized the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, arguing that it falls short of constitutional provisions.
This comes amid allegations that senators were paid between $5,000 and $10,000 to support the declaration.
Reports surfaced earlier that senators who backed the emergency declaration had met at the residence of the Senate President, where they allegedly received financial inducements.
Reacting to the development, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson publicly dissociated himself from the decision, stating that he opposed the declaration during a closed-door Senate session.
He emphasized that the move lacked constitutional backing.
Taking to his social media page, Dickson expressed his stance:
“Yesterday, at the Senate sitting, the President’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State was discussed. As I have repeatedly stated, I raised my objections during the closed session, arguing that the declaration did not meet constitutional requirements. As a democrat sworn to uphold the Nigerian constitution, I could not support it.”
“Although the Senate did not deliberate on the issue in an open session, the discussions were robust. I appreciate Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for strongly opposing the unconstitutionality of the declaration, particularly regarding the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State.”
“At the end of the session, the majority of senators supported the proclamation, as no opportunity was given for an open debate at plenary.”
“I left the chamber before the Senate President presented the report because I did not want to be present while something I opposed was being endorsed. Senators Tambuwal, Abaribe, and a few others also left.”
“I want to clarify that I spoke and voted against the proclamation during our closed session, supported by Senator Aminu Tambuwal and a few others who were not allowed to speak. I appreciate the senators who shared my concerns.”
“I acknowledge the efforts made to adjust the declaration based on the concerns we raised. However, even with these modifications, the fundamental issue of constitutionality remains.”
“Democracy thrives when the minority has a voice, even if the majority ultimately prevails. I had hoped for a more transparent and open debate where all opinions could be freely expressed before a decision was made.”
“However, both legislative chambers have spoken, and the matter now rests with other arms of government, particularly the judiciary, should any legal challenge arise.”
The controversy follows President Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State due to an ongoing political crisis.
As Dickson’s statement circulated online, concerned citizens flooded the comment section, sharing their thoughts on the matter.
See some reactions below:
@itumasunny2496: “Your Excellency, you had an apple opportunity to advise Fubara on the right steps to follow in political disagreements with Wike and the State Assembly members, but you failed. You won’t tell me you are not aware of all the unconstitutional steps Fubara took to undermine the law.”
@enyola: “When you guys are ready, you will unseat the wannabe tyrant from Akwa Ibom instead of enduring his imagined supremacy.”
@Owhonda__: “My man, you did nothing. You have a perchant for avoiding critical discussions in the Senate. Natasha saga, you gave the excuse of attending another meeting. On SOE, you were the one who asked the senate to go into a closed-door session. Why didn’t you say all this in the open.”
@TammyBraide2: “Its really unfortunate that even the PDP couldn’t stand with their party man to stop this undemocratic act. A wrong precedent has been set. Nobody knows which state will be next. God bless you sir. At least u spoke.”
@AustineG5: “Distinguish Senator, sir, you’re a true democrat and posterity will surely tell on all those that supported the illegality that was on display yesterday at the national assembly. It is quite unfortunate that the matter of that magnitude was handled in that manner. Voice vote? Aba.”
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