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By Tracy Moses
The Rivers State Caucus in the National Assembly has strongly denounced recent statements made by Senator Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West, describing them as inflammatory, misleading, and capable of inciting unrest. The group was reacting to the senator’s sharp criticism of the Federal Government over the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Addressing the press shortly after the National Assembly’s Democracy Day joint session on Thursday, June 12, 2025, Senator Dickson openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to address the political turmoil in Rivers in his nationwide broadcast. The former governor of Bayelsa State accused the President of allowing what he termed a “military-style clampdown” on democratic institutions in the state.
Dickson further expressed dismay that the President’s address failed to mention what he described as the ongoing “constitutional irregularity” in Rivers, lamenting what he called the Senate’s complicity in suppressing debate. According to him, his attempt to raise a constitutional point during plenary was brushed aside by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who, he claimed, hurriedly read the President’s message without accommodating dissenting views.
In his words: “Democracy is meant to inspire hope, but what we witnessed today was a betrayal of that hope. My intervention was ignored. That’s not democracy, it’s autocracy.” He added that endorsing what he called unconstitutional control of governance in Rivers State sends a disturbing message on a day meant to celebrate Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Responding to these remarks, members of the Rivers National Assembly Caucus held an emergency press conference in Abuja on Friday, June 13, 2025, where they accused Senator Dickson of making reckless statements and misrepresenting the facts. They dismissed his allegations against the President as baseless and politically motivated.
In a joint statement signed by caucus members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the lawmakers clarified that Rivers State is not under military rule. They emphasized that Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas, currently heading the state’s administration, is a retired officer and, like Dickson, a former police corporal, is now a civilian.
“Retirement strips an officer of military command. Hence, referring to the current leadership in Rivers as ‘military rule’ is not only false but intellectually dishonest,” the caucus stated.
The lawmakers justified the emergency declaration, citing the Supreme Court ruling of February 28, 2025, which concluded that Rivers State lacked a functioning government, thereby creating a constitutional vacuum. They argued that President Tinubu’s intervention was both timely and necessary to prevent the escalation of political chaos.
“The President’s swift action averted what could have been a total collapse of order and governance,” the caucus noted, adding that even the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had publicly expressed appreciation for the federal intervention. “It is therefore inappropriate for Senator Dickson to appear more concerned than the person directly involved.”
The caucus also questioned Dickson’s credibility on democratic matters, accusing him of promoting divisive ethnic politics during visits to the suspended governor. They further alleged that he has a history of undemocratic behavior, referencing an incident where he allegedly disrupted court proceedings while serving as governor of Bayelsa State.
“Given his track record, Senator Dickson lacks the moral standing to pose as a defender of democracy,” the statement read.
The lawmakers called for disciplinary action against the Bayelsa senator, urging the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to probe his “unparliamentary conduct.” They also encouraged security agencies to monitor his activities to prevent actions that might incite unrest in the already fragile political atmosphere of Rivers State.
Senator Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East), who also addressed the media, described Dickson’s statements as irresponsible and inflammatory. He called on politicians to de-escalate tensions and focus on stability.
“We must rise above partisan theatrics and pursue peace,” Onyesoh said. “Rivers people deserve governance, not distractions from those who are not even stakeholders in the crisis.”
The press statement was endorsed by the following lawmakers: Senator Barry Mpigi, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, Hon. Solomon Bob, Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, Hon. Cyril Hart Godwin, Hon. Blessing Chigeru Amadi, and Hon. Victor Obuzor.