Suspension of Elected Officials in Rivers State: A Dangerous Precedent in Democracy, Warns Dickson

In a bold statement, Senator Seriake Dickson, PDP Bayelsa West has raised alarms over the recent suspension of elected officials in Rivers State. 

He likened this controversial action to igniting a nuclear bomb within the fabric of democracy. 

According to him, such measures threaten the principles of representation and accountability that underpin a healthy democratic society. 

His words challenge a reflection on the long-term implications of sidelining elected leaders and the potential fallout for political stability and civic engagement in the region. 

Senator Dickson expressed his ideological opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency during a National Television interview. 

He criticized the subsequent suspension of Governor Siminalaye Fubara and elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Referring to section 305 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dickson explained that the declaration of a state of emergency can be done without suspending the Governor and other elected Officials of a State.

While he expressed shock at President Tinubu’s proclamation, the Lawmaker called for calm and urged all leaders to see the situation in Rivers State as a political contest and not a war between ethnic groups. 

Describing the decision as an ill-advised one, the lawmaker advised that the Minister of the FCT be prevailed upon, encouraging him to see the governor of Rivers State as his son.