By Abdulateef Bamgbose
Senator representing Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, Seriake Dickson yesterday expressed deep concern over President Bola Tinubu’s silence on the state of emergency in Rivers State in his speech during the joint session to mark the June 12 Democracy Day at the National Assembly.
Dickson expressed disappointment and “shamed,” even though the communication from the president was about deepening democracy.
Briefing newsmen after the joint session, Senator Dickson narrated what transpired at the upper chamber, expressing concern about the democratic credentials of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
“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.”
The former Bayelsa State governor noted that every senator, regardless of party or position, has the constitutional right to raise issues, while the Senate president is duty-bound by the Senate 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. 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 All Progressives Congress, APC, has reduced 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 is not about the suppression of voices. It is about upholding and respecting the democratic rights of Nigerians, especially the people of Rivers State.
“This is not about Governor Sim 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,” the senator noted.
