Senator Seriake Dickson representing Bayelsa West has criticised President Bola Tinubu over what he described as putting the country’s democracy at risk.
Dickson’s criticism followed Tinubu’s refusal in his Democracy Day speech at a joint sitting of the National Assembly Thursday, to reverse the state of emergency he imposed on Rivers State, reports Daily Independent.
Recall that Mr President had on March 18 imposed a state of emergency on the state, as he appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as sole administrator.
Citing Tinubu`s Democracy Day speech, the former Bayelsa State governor said by ignoring the situation in Rivers State, the president has pandered to certain political interests, and “has put Nigeria’s broader democracy at risk.”
According to him, “What happens today in Rivers could happen tomorrow in Lagos or Kano. No one holds power forever. If we allow this precedent, what stops a future president from declaring a state of emergency in Lagos or Kano, sacking duly elected officials, appointing administrators, and running the state from Abuja?”
The lawmaker also took a swipe at the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio who he accused of suppressing the voices of minority senators.
Addressing the media shortly after the president`s presentation, Senator Dickson said, “Let me begin by wishing all Nigerians a Happy Democracy Day, even though one could argue whether Nigerians, across the length and breadth of this nation, are truly happy today. Still, I urge everyone not to lose hope. Democracy is about hope —hope for a better tomorrow.
“Earlier today, while we were in the Senate chambers, you all witnessed the president’s communication regarding appointments in Rivers State being read by the Senate President, as required by Senate rules. You also witnessed me rise to raise a constitutional point of order, which I am entitled to do as a Senator.
“Unfortunately, the Senate President ignored it — he did not respond, did not acknowledge it, and brushed it aside. He rushed through the president’s communication and we moved on. That, again, is a blatant suppression and disrespect for my rights and privileges.
“Every Senator, regardless of party or position, has the constitutional right to raise issues. And the Senate President is duty-bound by our rules to acknowledge them. He may have the majority behind him, but my minority must still have its say. I will communicate my displeasure formally to him.
“Many of us were embarrassed — ashamed, even. The communication from the president was essentially about deepening the undemocratic, unconstitutional military rule currently in force in Rivers State. That was why I raised the point. It is troubling that on Democracy Day — a day that should symbolise freedom, civil rule, and justice — such communications were read without challenge.
“Why choose today, of all days, to affirm actions that are clearly undemocratic and illegal? It speaks volumes about what the ruling party, the APC, has reduced Nigerian democracy to.
“Yes, the president’s speech was impressive and flowery in parts. He made fine declarations of democratic ideals and principles. But as I always say, words are not enough. Democracy is not built by words. It is sustained by actions —actions and more actions.
“The president did well to honour those who fought for democracy. I, too, was a young man in the trenches during those days. He knows that. But you cannot claim to be a democrat on one hand, while trampling democracy underfoot on the other. The president missed a golden opportunity today to strengthen democracy by restoring constitutional rule in Rivers State.
“The silence on Rivers State in the president’s address was deafening. Today is not about repression. It’s not about the suppression of voices. It’s about upholding and respecting the democratic rights of Nigerians — especially the people of Rivers State.
“This is not about Governor Fubara’s origin or political party — if he even has one. Today, people switch parties so frequently we can hardly keep track. This is about the people of Rivers State, their democratic rights, and the sanctity of our Constitution.
“I am disappointed. First, because the president ignored the undemocratic situation in Rivers. Second, because in doing so, he set a dangerous precedent. I say this not just as someone from Bayelsa, but also proudly as someone maternally from Ijebu.
“That is why we must not allow this to stand. That is why I raise my voice. This is not just about Rivers State. It is about protecting our democracy for every Nigerian — north, south, east, and west.
“What they attempted in Lagos during elections was a power grab. And that’s what they are doing.”
