A heated argument erupted between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Seriake Dickson during a Senate plenary session on Wednesday, March 20, 2025, over the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The clash occurred as lawmakers debated the legality and necessity of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule in the state.
Akpabio defended the declaration, arguing that it was a necessary step to restore order and address the escalating political crisis in Rivers State. He emphasized that the move was in the best interest of the people and aligned with constitutional provisions.
Dickson, however, strongly opposed the declaration, describing it as an overreach of executive power and a threat to democracy. The former Bayelsa State governor insisted that the crisis in Rivers State should be resolved through dialogue and legal means rather than emergency rule.
The argument grew intense, with both senators exchanging sharp words and drawing interventions from their colleagues to restore order. The session highlighted the deep divisions within the Senate over the state of emergency, reflecting broader national debates on the issue.
Despite the heated exchange, the Senate eventually moved forward with discussions on the matter, with lawmakers divided along party and regional lines. The outcome of the debate is expected to have significant implications for the political landscape in Rivers State and the country at large.
The declaration has sparked widespread criticism, with many stakeholders, including the South-South Governors’ Forum, rejecting it as unconstitutional. As tensions continue to rise, the Senate’s deliberations remain a focal point in the ongoing crisis.