Senator Dickson Expresses Doubts Over Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers

Senator Dickson Expresses Doubts Over Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers

Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, has expressed skepticism over the likelihood of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State being passed by the legislature………….READ MORE

Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, citing security concerns and proceeded to suspend the state’s Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. This action has been met with widespread condemnation, with critics arguing that it violated various provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

Speaking on Arise Television, Dickson, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated that passing the declaration would be difficult for the National Assembly. He emphasized that a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly members would be required to ratify the declaration, making it a challenging task for the President.

Dickson’s Concerns on the Legality of the Emergency

Dickson highlighted that the Nigerian Constitution prescribes strict rules on declaring a state of emergency, stating that it should not be used to remove elected officials. He argued that the purpose of such a declaration is to strengthen elected officials, not replace them.

He further elaborated that the declaration process is incomplete until the National Assembly votes and approves it, and any actions taken, such as the swearing-in of a sole administrator, are legally inconclusive without the legislature’s approval.

Ideological Opposition

Dickson clarified that his opposition to the emergency declaration was ideological, stressing that it was about protecting the sovereignty and democratic rights of the people of Rivers State, not about personal politics or party affiliations.

The matter is now before the National Assembly, with the Senate having adjourned the discussion to a later date. It remains to be seen whether Tinubu’s declaration will gain the necessary support in the National Assembly to take effect.