By Parrot Newspaper 
Akpabio and Dickson Clash Over Senate Rules on Rivers Crisis Debate
The Nigerian Senate was thrown into a heated exchange on Thursday as Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio and Senator Seriake Dickson locked horns over the procedural handling of a debate on the State of Emergency in Rivers State.
The confrontation erupted after Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi moved a motion to reorder the Order Paper, prioritizing the debate on the state of emergency over other legislative matters. As he attempted to cite the relevant standing order, Dickson, representing Bayelsa Central, raised a point of order, which Akpabio was initially reluctant to recognize.
In a sharp rebuke, Akpabio reminded Dickson of his prior televised comments where he allegedly dismissed any Senate decision on the matter. “Senator Seriake Dickson, let’s not argue; if we argue, it won’t be good for any of us,” Akpabio warned. “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 have your vote.”
In response, Dickson emphasized the need for mutual respect among senators. “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 clarified that his point of order was aimed at ensuring due process by first breaking into a closed-door session before proceeding with the debate. Following his remarks, the Senate Leader raised a motion for a closed session, which was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro. The motion was adopted, and the Senate immediately proceeded into a closed-door meeting.
The clash between Akpabio and Dickson underscores the deepening tensions within the Senate over the political crisis in Rivers State. The outcome of the closed-door session remains to be seen, but the incident signals growing divisions on the path forward regarding the state of emergency debate.
More to follow…