Senator Henry Dickson has publicly opposed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labeling it unconstitutional. In a statement released via his X page, the former Bayelsa State governor expressed his concerns during a closed session of the Senate, emphasizing that the declaration did not meet constitutional requirements.

Dickson stated, “As I have stated repeatedly, I raised my objections in the closed session on how the declaration fell short of constitutional prescription, based on my views as a democrat sworn to uphold the Nigerian Constitution.” He highlighted that the debate on this crucial matter did not occur in an open plenary session, which limited the opportunity for formal discussion among lawmakers.

He commended Senator Aminu Tambuwal for voicing similar concerns regarding the legality of suspending elected officials in Rivers State. “I want to thank Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for his strong support of the unconstitutionality of the declaration, especially the aspect that deals with the suspension of the elected officials of the Rivers State government,” Dickson noted.

Despite the majority of senators supporting the emergency proclamation, Dickson indicated that he left the plenary session before the Senate President reported the outcome, as he did not want to be present during the discussion of something he opposed. He reiterated his stance by voting against the proclamation, alongside Tambuwal and a few other senators who shared his views.

While acknowledging ongoing efforts to modify the declaration, Dickson maintained that the fundamental issue of constitutionality remains unresolved. He criticized the Senate President for attempting to silence him and misrepresenting his statements. “The Senate President was very unfair to me by trying to censor my freedom of expression,” he remarked, referencing a viral video of their exchange before the closed session.

Dickson expressed gratitude for the support he received from colleagues during what he described as an “unexpected attempt at intimidation.” He asserted that the Senate should be a platform for open discussion, where all senators can express their views without seeking permission from the Senate President.

Dickson reassured his constituents and the Nigerian public of his commitment to defending democratic principles. He encouraged all citizens to come together to promote participatory democracy in the country, stating, “For someone like me who has been in the trenches over the years, all these challenges are actually a call to duty” he asserted.