Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, has openly criticized the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, asserting that such a move undermines democratic principles and sets a concerning precedent for Nigeria’s federal structure. Dickson also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of partiality in handling the situation, alleging that Akpabio’s actions have been unfair and politically motivated.
Senator Dickson, representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, expressed deep reservations about the federal government’s decision to impose emergency rule in Rivers State. He argued that the issues cited as justification, such as political disagreements and security challenges, do not warrant such an extreme measure. Dickson emphasized that existing legal and constitutional mechanisms are sufficient to address these challenges without resorting to emergency declarations that suspend democratic institutions.
In his critique, Dickson accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of acting unfairly in the proceedings leading up to the Senate’s approval of the emergency rule. He alleged that Akpabio failed to ensure a balanced and impartial debate on the matter, thereby compromising the Senate’s role as an unbiased arbiter. Dickson contended that Akpabio’s conduct has eroded confidence in the Senate’s ability to function as an independent arm of government, free from partisan influences.
The former governor warned that the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State could set a dangerous precedent, where the federal government might increasingly intervene in state affairs under the guise of maintaining order. Such actions, he argued, threaten the principles of federalism and democracy enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. Dickson called on all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and respect the autonomy of state governments to prevent the erosion of democratic values.
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