Dickson, Abaribe, Tambuwal Walk Out As Senate Backs Tinubu’s Rivers Emergency

The Senate on Wednesday endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State, but not without fireworks, as Senators Seriake Dickson, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stormed out in protest.

The closed-door session saw Dickson and his allies strongly opposing the emergency declaration, particularly the suspension of elected officials, which they argued was unconstitutional. Despite their objections, the Senate overwhelmingly backed the president’s move, shutting down an open debate on the matter.

Displeased over the outcome, Dickson, Tambuwal, and Abaribe exited the plenary before the Senate President could formally announce the decision.

Speaking afterward, Dickson thanked his colleagues who supported his stance and acknowledged that the presidency had made some modifications to the original declaration. He noted that while oversight mechanisms had been introduced, they did not erase the core constitutional concerns.

“I appreciate the efforts to adjust the terms, but it doesn’t change the fact that this proclamation lacks constitutional backing,” Dickson stated.

He also criticised the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of trying to silence his opposition. “The Senate is a meeting of equals, and no lawmaker should be censored for speaking on national issues,” he fired.