A heated exchange erupted on the Senate floor on Thursday between Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio and Senator Seriake Dickson over the Senate Rules regarding the handling of the debate on the State of Emergency in Rivers State.
As the Senate convened for plenary, Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi moved a motion to reorder the Order Paper to prioritize the debate on the Rivers State emergency before addressing other legislative matters.
However, the motion was immediately opposed by Senator Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa Central Senatorial District.
Dickson raised a point of order to challenge the reordering, but Senate President Akpabio was hesitant to acknowledge his objection, leading to a tense confrontation between the two lawmakers.
In a sharp response, Akpabio referenced Dickson’s earlier remarks on television, accusing him of prejudging the Senate’s decision on the matter.
“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,” Akpabio stated.
Unfazed by Akpabio’s comments, Dickson maintained his stance, reiterating the need for mutual respect in the Senate chamber.
He insisted that the Senate President should reciprocate the respect given to him by his colleagues.
“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. I think that should be reciprocal,” Dickson responded.
He clarified that his point of order was intended to highlight the procedural requirement for the Senate to first break into a closed-door session before proceeding with the debate.
Following the intense exchange, a motion to close the Senate doors for a private discussion was raised by the Senate Leader and seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro.
