Tempers Flare In Senate! Akpabio, Dickson Clash Ahead OF Rivers Emergency Debate (Video)

Published March 20, 2025 at 1:37 PM

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Bayelsa West Senator Seriake Dickson engaged in a fiery exchange during Thursday’s plenary, just before discussions on President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in Rivers State.

The disagreement centered on the procedure for debating the issue. Akpabio accused Dickson of attempting to preempt the Senate’s discussion, referencing comments made by the former Bayelsa governor during a TV interview. In response, Dickson emphasized the need for mutual respect among senators, stating that he was merely raising a point of order regarding the proper legislative process.

Following the heated argument, the Senate moved into a closed-door session to finalize the debate framework.

Meanwhile, similar tensions erupted in the House of Representatives, where lawmaker Obi Aguocha demanded a headcount to verify the two-thirds quorum needed for deliberations. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, however, insisted on using the attendance register instead, sparking a rowdy session marked by shouting and chaos, forcing the Speaker to struggle to restore order.