The Senator representing Bayelsa West Seriake Dickson has said he got into an exchange with the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, because of an attempt to intimidate him.

The exchange, which happened over the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, was captured in a viral video.

In a statement on Friday, Dickson reiterated his position on the floor that the Senate President was very unfair to him “by trying to censor my freedom of expression and by deliberately misrepresenting the import of what I said in the broadcast on Wednesday which was the same thing I said on the floor yesterday.”

Dickson maintained his position against the state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of elected officials in the state.

“I thank all those who have called to commend my composure under unnecessary and unexpected attempt at intimidation.

“Everyone, including the Senate President, knows I have long gone beyond that stage in my life,” he said.

He reminded concerned parties that the Senate is a meeting of equals and everyone should be respected “just as we accord respect to the Chair.”

He said no Senator needs the permission of the Senate President to express an opinion in an interview on a topical matter of national interest that is in the public domain.

“I intend to meet the Senate President to formally express my displeasure, to prevent a reoccurrence.

“I thank my constituents, Nigerians and all people of goodwill who have called to express solidarity and urge them not to be dismayed at the direction our democracy appears to have taken.

“For someone like me who has been in trenches over the years, all these challenges are actually a call to duty and I therefore implore all people of goodwill to come together and ensure that participatory democracy is promoted in our country.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Rivers State,” he said.