Emergency rule: Sen. Dickson distances self from supporting Tinubu amid claim lawmakers received $10k bribe each from President

 

 

 

Ayodele Olalere

 

 

Former governor of Bayelsa State now senator, Senator Seriake Dickson has distanced himself from joining his colleagues in the assembly to support the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu on Rivers State.

The Senate had, on Thursday March 20, approved the emergency rule a few hours after the House of Representatives also endorsed it.

While many of the senators threw their weight behind the president’s action through a voice note, some of them including Senator Dickson opposed it.

On Friday morning, reports also claimed that some of the senators who gave their support to the emergency rule were each given $10,000 each on Tuesday while some also received $5,000 each on Wednesday in order for them to approve the emergency rule ahead of the Thursday deliberation of the matter.

While explaining on his social media handle how he opposed the president’s decision on the floor of the House and staged a walk-out of the assembly along with other senators opposing it, Dickson said the emergency rule declared by the president lacked constitutional backing.

“Yesterday, at the Senate sitting, the President’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State was discussed. As I have repeatedly stated, I raised my objections during the closed session, arguing that the declaration did not meet constitutional requirements. As a democrat sworn to uphold the Nigerian constitution, I could not support it.”

“Although the Senate did not deliberate on the issue in an open session, the discussions were robust. I appreciate Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for strongly opposing the unconstitutionality of the declaration, particularly regarding the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State.,” Dickson wrote.

He added: “At the end of the session, the majority of senators supported the proclamation, as no opportunity was given for an open debate at plenary.”

“I left the chamber before the Senate President presented the report because I did not want to be present while something I opposed was being endorsed. Senators Tambuwal, Abaribe, and a few others also left.”

“I want to clarify that I spoke and voted against the proclamation during our closed session, supported by Senator Aminu Tambuwal and a few others who were not allowed to speak. I appreciate the senators who shared my concerns.”

“I acknowledge the efforts made to adjust the declaration based on the concerns we raised. However, even with these modifications, the fundamental issue of constitutionality remains.”

“Democracy thrives when the minority has a voice, even if the majority ultimately prevails. I had hoped for a more transparent and open debate where all opinions could be freely expressed before a decision was made.”

“However, both legislative chambers have spoken, and the matter now rests with other arms of government, particularly the judiciary, should any legal challenge arise.”