Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Seriake Dickson, Senator representing Bayelsa West, clashed during plenary over a clause of Senate rules governing the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State.
During the Senate session on Thursday, March 20, 2025, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi moved to reshuffle the Order Paper so that the Senate might consider the state of emergency in Rivers before moving on to other motions for legislative action.
As Bamidele stood to point out the order, Dickson raised a point of order, which Akpabio declined to comply with.
Rather than allowing Dickson speak on the floor, Akpabio reminded him of how the former Governor of Bayelsa State went on television and stated that he would not support the Senate’s resolution on the Rivers state of emergency.
While Dickson insisted on bringing Akpabio’s attention to a point of order, the Senate President instructed him to turn off his microphone.
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, and 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.
“I said you said whatever the Senate does, the Senate will never have your vote.
“I don’t know but if you have 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 reaction, 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.”
He insisted that his point of order was to call the senators’ attention to the requirement requiring them to enter a closed-door meeting first.
