Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio engaged in a heated exchange with Senator Henry Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) over Senate procedures for handling President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State.
The disagreement erupted when the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, rose to cite relevant parliamentary order.
Senator Dickson attempted to interject with his point of order, prompting an immediate rebuke from Akpabio.
In a media coverage by NASS TV, Sen. Akpabio sharply addressed Sen. Dickson, saying, “Listen to me, let’s not argue. If we argue, it will not be good for any of us. We are all distinguished people. You were a former Governor and I’m a former Governor. Please, off the mic and sit down.”
Akpabio continued his criticism, stating, “I watched you on television, and you said no matter what the Senate does, the Senate will never go with you, and the Senate will not go with you. You have already made up your mind to go and talk on television when the senators have not even considered any issue. I’m not arguing with you; I’m only saying, please allow me to preside.”
Senator Dickson defused the tension by clarifying that he merely intended to propose moving the discussion to a closed session.
He emphasized his consistent respect for his colleagues and the Senate President while requesting similar courtesy.
