Dickson pledge  to mobilise senators against Rivers state of emergency.

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, on Wednesday, criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a “power grab.”

The senator representing Bayelsa West also pledged to rally his colleagues to prevent the President from obtaining the necessary support to legitimize his action. Dickson made this statement during an interview with journalists in Abuja.

He argued that the declaration was unconstitutional, questioning whether there was a constitutional basis for the President’s decision.

He stressed that even if such a provision existed, it didn’t justify the removal of elected officials. Dickson pointed out that a state of emergency could only be validated if at least 73 senators and 240 House members were present, and the process had to be completed within two days. Otherwise, the action would be invalid.

He expressed uncertainty about the President’s advice on the matter, but mentioned that many senior lawmakers, who oppose the declaration, would be working to protect democratic rights.

Dickson’s comments followed the Senate’s delay in debating a motion on the Rivers State crisis, which was postponed until Thursday.

Despite this, Dickson insisted that they would oppose the Senate’s approval of the state of emergency.

He also urged President Tinubu to learn from former President Goodluck Jonathan’s approach to declaring a state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, where elected officials were not removed.

Dickson explained that Jonathan’s decision reinforced the existing government structures rather than replacing them, reflecting a democratic approach that respected constitutional principles.