‘It’s a sad day for democrats’ – Sen Dickson condemns state of emergency in Rivers
By Tapre Timine, Bayelsa
Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has condemned the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the development as a threat to democratic governance and a setback for the people of the region.
In a statement released Tuesday evening, the former Bayelsa State Governor denounced the federal government’s decision, particularly the provision suggesting that both the Governor of Rivers State Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu would vacate their offices for six months.
According to him, such action runs contrary to the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution and sets a dangerous precedent.
He said: “While we are all aware of the prolonged political disputes in the state, I do not support the declaration of a state of emergency, especially when that is taken to mean that the Governor and his Deputy will vacate their seats for six months. I don’t believe that is the intendment of the constitution, and that has been my position on matters like this even when we had a PDP President. I have always opposed declarations of emergency in states that meant that their governors would vacate their offices, and this is no exception. I have always had the view that even with the declaration of a state of emergency in a state, the elected government must be protected and need not be removed.”
Reflecting on his time as Governor of Bayelsa, Dickson reiterated his lifelong commitment to defending democratic ideals and safeguarding the interests of the Ijaw people. He recalled leading the state through a recession, managing limited resources, and resisting external forces intent on destabilizing the region.
He also noted that, aware of anti-democratic forces operating within and outside the Niger Delta, he was deliberate in selecting his successor to continue the fight for the Ijaw cause and protect the gains made during his tenure.
The Senator said:”While managing a recession for six years during my 8-year tenure, I worked and made a mark in all sectors of our State. We raised and maintained countless number of people — men, women and youths, with less than N500 million monthly after paying half salaries in a recession. We still stopped the brutal federal forces from taking over the state in 2015, 2019 general elections, and 2020 governorship election where I sponsored all candidates with the support of our friends and allies.”
Questioning the implications of the current political situation, the Bayelsa West Senator asked whether the sacrifices made to build and defend the Ijaw nation are now being undermined.
Dickson said,”Is this what has become of the Ijaw nation that we all staked everything to build?
“It is a sad day for all democrats. It’s a sad day for Rivers State, and a sad day for our people. I urge everyone to put on their thinking caps. I urge our people to lift up their spirits as we will get over this together.”
