Rivers State NASS Caucus Tackles Dickson

Juliet Akoje in Abuja.

The Rivers State Caucus in the National Assembly yesterday, strongly criticised Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, over his recent statements regarding the political situation in their State.

The group of lawmakers labeled Dickson’s remarks as false, provocative, and capable of inciting unrest, cautioning that his words could endanger the delicate peace currently being restored in the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Caucus Chairman and House Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, criticised Dickson’s public appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara during his Democracy Day speech.

Chinda, defended the state of emergency, saying it was a constitutionally sound and necessary response to mounting political chaos and worsening security.
Chinda dismissed Dickson’s portrayal of the emergency declaration as a return to military rule, calling it deceptive and intellectually unfair.
He pointed out that the Sole Administrator appointed to oversee the state, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, operates under civilian authority and was no longer an active military officer just as Dickson is a former police corporal, who is now serving as a civilian senator.

The Caucus also stressed that the emergency rule adhered to constitutional procedures, specifically invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the President the authority to impose such measures when national security and public order are at risk.

Chinda further referenced a Supreme Court ruling from February 28, 2025, which concluded that Rivers State lacked a functioning government, thereby validating the federal government’s emergency intervention.

He also recalled that Governor Fubara himself had publicly expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for taking decisive action to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order.

Chinda questioned why Senator Dickson, who is not a stakeholder in Rivers, would now be promoting misleading narratives and contributing to tensions.
The Caucus accused Senator Dickson of seeking to incite turmoil, warning that his continuous involvement could undermine the peace efforts currently in motion.

“It is regrettable,” Chinda said, “that someone with Senator Dickson’s political experience would choose to make inflammatory statements that could provoke violence, rather than promote unity and stability.”
Chinda went on to recall Dickson’s own controversial past, notably his alleged disruption of court proceedings during his tenure as Bayelsa State Governor.

 According to Chinda, such behavior renders Dickson unfit to lecture others about democratic conduct. “His own record discredits him,”
Chinda said. “He cannot claim the moral high ground on issues of democracy.”
The lawmakers further warned Dickson to stop interfering in Rivers State affairs, asserting that his contributions are uninvited and counterproductive.
“He should focus on Bayelsa if he wants to cause problems. We won’t tolerate external interference in our state,” Chinda stated.
The group also urged security agencies to monitor Dickson’s actions and called on the Senate Ethics Committee to examine his behavior.
In support, Senator Allwell Onyesoh of Rivers East echoed the criticism, labeling Dickson’s comments as inappropriate and divisive.
He appealed for calm and advised political leaders to act responsibly and place peace above political theatrics.
“This is a moment that calls for sober judgment and responsible governance,” Onyesoh said. “The people of Rivers need peace and effective leadership—not provocations from outsiders.”