Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, has expressed skepticism about the likelihood of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State receiving the necessary votes for approval. According to reports from DAILY POST on Thursday, March 20, the lawmaker stated that it would be extremely challenging for the National Assembly to secure the majority required to endorse the president’s move.
President Tinubu recently declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing security concerns as the primary reason. In addition to this, he suspended the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, along with his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. This decision has sparked widespread condemnation from citizens and stakeholders, who argue that it violates several constitutional provisions.
The issue is currently under consideration by the National Assembly, which must vote on whether to approve or reject the president’s declaration for it to take full effect. However, Senator Dickson, a member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), voiced doubts that the proposal would garner the necessary support from lawmakers.
Appearing on a televised interview, Dickson emphasized that Nigerians have the right to expect accountability from their representatives, given that lawmakers are elected to serve and uphold the people’s interests. He acknowledged the public’s high expectations and stressed that the emergency rule is a serious constitutional matter that demands careful scrutiny.
According to Dickson, the Constitution of Nigeria strictly outlines the conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared, and none of these conditions include the removal of elected officials. He argued that even when the president has the authority to declare an emergency, it should be done to support and enhance the capacity of elected leaders rather than replace them with unelected administrators.
Dickson further pointed out that the president’s actions are not yet legally binding, as the process is incomplete until the National Assembly votes in favor by a two-thirds majority. He explained that, legally speaking, there is no effective emergency rule in Rivers State at the moment because the declaration has not been ratified.
The senator noted that although some members of the National Assembly may support the declaration, it will be an uphill battle to secure the required majority. He clarified that the constitutional requirement demands a two-thirds majority of the entire assembly, not just those present during the vote.
Expressing his ideological stance, Dickson made it clear that his opposition to the emergency rule is not rooted in personal or political motivations but rather in the protection of democratic values and the sovereignty of Rivers State. He insisted that the democratic rights of the people must be safeguarded, regardless of the political affiliations involved.