Members of the Rivers State Caucus in the National Assembly have strongly criticised Senator Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West for his comments on the emergency rule in Rivers State. The lawmakers described his remarks as misleading, inciting, and disrespectful to democratic institutions.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, ten lawmakers from Rivers State expressed disappointment over Dickson’s call for President Bola Tinubu to use his Democracy Day speech to reinstate the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They said Dickson’s claims of a military takeover in the state were false and reckless.
They pointed out that Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas, who currently administers the state, is a retired military officer—just as Dickson is a retired police corporal—and neither of them is a serving officer. They added that referring to the current leadership as military rule was not only wrong but also dishonest.
The lawmakers defended the emergency declaration, stating it followed due process in line with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. They argued that the move was necessary to address growing instability and a breakdown of law and order in the state. They referenced a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, which stated that Rivers State had no functional government at the time.
They praised President Tinubu’s decision, saying it prevented a major crisis and restored calm to the state. According to them, even Governor Fubara acknowledged and appreciated the intervention publicly. They questioned Dickson’s motives, saying he seemed more upset than the governor himself.
The caucus accused Dickson of stirring ethnic divisions by visiting Fubara and blamed him partly for the governor’s political challenges. They said it was troubling that a former governor and lawmaker would make statements capable of creating unrest.
They also alleged that Dickson had a history of undemocratic behaviour, including an incident where he reportedly stormed a Federal High Court with armed men during his time as governor of Bayelsa State. They said such actions disqualified him from speaking on democracy.
The group urged security agencies to keep an eye on Dickson and called on the Senate Committee on Ethics to investigate his conduct regarding the Rivers crisis.
Those who signed the statement are: 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.
