On Thursday, March 20, 2025, a tense argument broke out in the Nigerian Senate between the President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, and Senator Seriake Dickson over the handling of the debate on the State of Emergency in Rivers State.
During the Senate’s plenary session, Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi proposed that the Order Paper be changed to prioritize the debate on the state of emergency. However, as he stood to explain, Senator Dickson, who represents Bayelsa Central Senatorial District and is a former governor of Bayelsa State, raised a point of order that Akpabio hesitated to accept.
An angry Akpabio, with a hint of sarcasm, reminded Dickson that he had seen him on television saying he would not support the Senate’s decision on the Rivers state emergency. Dickson insisted on making his point, and Akpabio responded firmly.
Akpabio said, “Senator Seriake Dickson, let’s not argue, if we argue it won’t be good for any of us. We are all distinguished people, you were a former governor, I was a former governor. Please turn off your mic and sit down. I watched you on television. You said, whatever the Senate does, the Senate will never go with you.”
He continued, “I said you said whatever the Senate does, the Senate will never have your vote. I don’t know, but if you’ve already made up your mind to go on television when the Senate has not done anything or considered any issue, I am not arguing with you, but I say, please allow me to preside.”
In response, Dickson said, “Mr Senate President, you know we must have mutual respect for all our colleagues, and I do have regard for you, particularly, as our presiding officer and I think that should be reciprocal.”
Dickson explained that his point of order was meant to remind the Senate of the rules requiring a closed-door meeting before such debates.
At this point, the Senate Leader raised a motion to close the doors for a private session, which was seconded by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro. The Senate then went into a closed-door session to discuss the matter further.
