Rivers State Caucus Denies Military Rule, Accuses Senator Seriake Dickson of Inciting Violence

Strategic Insights -

The Rivers State Caucus in the National Assembly has denied allegations of military rule in the state, levelled by Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, in response to President Bola Tinubu's nationwide address on Democracy Day. The Caucus, comprising Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, accused Senator Dickson of gross incompetence and a history of promoting ethnic bigotry and biases. They warned him to refrain from inciting violence and called on security agencies to keep a tab on his actions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rivers State Caucus denies allegations of military rule in the state, terming it a "misleading and intellectually disingenuous" claim, with Senator Seriake Dickson's own military background cited as evidence.
  • The Caucus attributes the state of emergency in Rivers State to the "rising tide of political instability and executive rascality" and the disregard for democratic institutions.
  • Senator Seriake Dickson's actions as a former Governor are described as desecrating the judiciary when he led thugs and armed men to disperse and disrupt proceedings at a Federal High Court.
  • The Caucus warns Senator Dickson to stay clear of inciting Rivers people into violence or attempting to cause a breakdown of law and order in the state, and calls on the Senate Committee on Ethics to investigate his unparliamentary actions.
  • Other members of the Caucus, including Senator Allwell Onyesoh, warn Senator Dickson to channel his energy towards improving infrastructure in Bayelsa State, and to stop relying on Rivers State for appointments.

Statistics:

  • The state of emergency in Rivers State was declared in response to the "rising tide of political instability and executive rascality" in the state.
  • The Supreme Court judgment of February 28, 2025, affirmed that there was "no government in the state the way it was being operated then".
  • Senator Seriake Dickson has been accused of promoting ethnic bigotry and biases, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
  • The Rivers State Caucus comprises 10 members, including Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Senator Barry Mpigi, Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, Hon. Solomon Bob, Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, Hon. Cyril Hart Godwin, Hon. Blessing Chigeru Amadi, and Hon. Victor Buzzer.

Sources:

  • Senator Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader, House of Representatives
  • Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Character
  • The Rivers State Caucus in the National Assembly