Sen. Dickson Issues Stark Warning: Suspending Fubara Would Be a ‘Nuclear Bomb’

Bayelsa Senator Seriake Dickson has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend Governor Sim Fubara, calling the move an extreme measure that undermines democratic principles. Speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday night, Dickson likened the decision to “igniting a nuclear bomb” in a constitutional democracy.

On Tuesday, Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly amid an ongoing political crisis in the state. The move has sparked widespread condemnation, with many describing it as unconstitutional. Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, expressed shock at the president’s action and immediately issued a statement opposing it.

According to Dickson, while there are political tensions in Rivers State, they do not justify the drastic action taken by the federal government. He warned that declaring a state of emergency does not necessitate the suspension of elected officials and cautioned against interpreting the crisis as an ethnic conflict. He emphasized that leaders should recognize the issue as purely political rather than a battle between the Ikwere and Ijaw ethnic groups.

The senator also questioned the level of consultation that took place before Tinubu made his decision, arguing that such a critical move should have followed constitutional principles. He pointed out that Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution outlines the conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared but does not mandate the removal of elected leaders.

Dickson insisted that even if the legal conditions for a state of emergency were met, the automatic suspension of the governor and lawmakers was not justified. He urged political actors and stakeholders to handle the situation with caution to prevent further escalation of the crisis.