Nigerian senator Seriake Dickson has voiced his opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
On Tuesday night, President Tinubu announced the state of emergency in the oil-rich region, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
In his address, Mr Tinubu cited the ongoing political crisis in the state, exacerbated by the conflict between Mr Fubara and the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, alongside an oil pipeline explosion, as the reasons for his decision.
In a post on his official Facebook page, Mr Dickson expressed his disapproval of the state of emergency, particularly given that it would result in the governor and his deputy vacating office for six months.
“While we acknowledge the prolonged political disputes in the state, I cannot support the declaration of a state of emergency, especially when it means the Governor and his Deputy will vacate their seats for six months.
“I believe this contradicts the intent of the constitution, and I have maintained this position on similar issues, even during the tenure of a PDP President.
“I have consistently opposed emergency declarations that lead to the removal of governors, and this situation is no different. I hold the stance that an elected government should be safeguarded, even in the event of a state of emergency, and should not be ousted,” stated Mr Dickson, a former two-term governor of Bayelsa State.
He lamented that it was a troubling day for all democrats and the people of Rivers State.
