Rivers State N’Assembly Caucus Carpets Dickson for Criticising Ibok-Ete Ibas

In a strongly worded press conference held yesterday, the Rivers State Caucus in the National Assembly denounced Senator Henry Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) for his recent criticism of President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The lawmakers, led by Chairman and House Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, took issues with Senator Dickson’s characterization of the current administration in Rivers State as “military rule” due to the appointment of Vice Admiral (rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s Sole Administrator.

According to Chinda, Senator Dickson’s assertion is “misleading and intellectually disingenuous” as both Ibas and Senator Dickson himself, a retired police corporal, are no longer serving members of the armed forces.

“The implication of retirement is clear: once an officer retires, he becomes a civilian, and any leadership role he occupies is subject to civilian laws, norms, and democratic oversight,” Chinda explained.

The lawmakers emphasized that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State followed the due constitutional process, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the President the power to declare a state of emergency in situations that threaten national security and public order.

Chinda noted that even Governor Fubara had publicly expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for intervening to prevent total anarchy in the state.

“It is therefore curious that Senator Dickson, an outsider to our state, has chosen to champion a false narrative and stir up tension,” he said.

The Rivers State lawmakers warned that Senator Dickson’s divisive rhetoric could ignite violence and urged him to refrain from making inflammatory statements.

“It is unfortunate that a former governor and serving senator, who should understand the responsibilities that come with leadership, is engaging in such behavior,” Chinda stated.