Senator Seriake Dickson criticised President Bola Tinubu for not addressing the Rivers State political crisis in his Democracy Day speech, calling it a missed opportunity to uphold democratic values
Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has publicly criticised President Bola Tinubu for failing to address the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State during his Democracy Day speech.
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Speaking at a press briefing at the National Assembly complex on Wednesday, Dickson emphasised that Democracy Day should be a moment of hope and profound reflection for the nation.
The lawmaker described how, during the plenary session, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read a communication from President Tinubu regarding appointments in Rivers State.
Dickson stated that he immediately attempted to raise a constitutional point of order in response to these appointments but was ignored by Akpabio.
“You also witnessed me rise to raise a constitutional point of order, which I am entitled to do as a senator,” he explained.
“Unfortunately, the senate president ignored it — he did not respond, did not acknowledge it, and brushed it aside. He rushed through the president’s communication, and we moved on.”
Dickson viewed this as a “blatant suppression and disrespect for my rights and privileges.”
The senator expressed deep concern over this development, especially given that it occurred on a day meant to uphold democratic values.
Dickson contended that the communication from the president essentially amounted to supporting what he described as “military rule” in Rivers State.
“Many of us were embarrassed—ashamed, even,” he revealed. He further explained, “The communication from the president was essentially about deepening the undemocratic, unconstitutional military rule currently in force in Rivers state. That was why I raised the point.”
But as I always say, words are not enough. Democracy is not built by words. It is sustained by actions — actions and more actions.
He found it “troubling that on Democracy Day — a day that should symbolise freedom, civil rule, and justice — such communications were read without challenge.”
He criticised President Tinubu’s speech, acknowledging its “lofty promises” but noting its failure to address genuine democratic concerns.
“Yes, the president’s speech was impressive and flowery in parts. He made fine declarations of democratic ideals and principles,” Dickson stated.
He quickly added, “But as I always say, words are not enough. Democracy is not built by words. It is sustained by actions — actions and more actions.”
Dickson praised Tinubu for recognising the sacrifices of democratic heroes. However, he argued that ignoring the Rivers crisis undermined those very values.
“You cannot claim to be a democrat on one hand, while trampling democracy underfoot on the other,” he insisted.
“The president missed a golden opportunity today to strengthen democracy by restoring constitutional rule in Rivers state.”
Dickson described the president’s silence on the issue as “deafening,” suggesting it demonstrated a preference for partisan politics over constitutional order.
“This is not about Governor Fubara’s origin or political party — if he even has one,” he clarified.
“Today, people switch parties so frequently we can hardly keep track. This is about the people of Rivers state, their democratic rights, and the sanctity of our constitution.”
He issued a stern warning that the “dangerous precedent” set in Rivers could spread to other parts of the country.
“By pandering to certain political interests, the president has put Nigeria’s broader democracy at risk,” he cautioned.
“What happens today in Rivers could happen tomorrow in Lagos or Kano. No one holds power forever.”
He highlighted the potential for a future president to declare a state of emergency in other states, remove elected officials, appoint administrators, and effectively run the state from Abuja.
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Dickson concluded by asserting his position was based on principle, not regional or political interest, emphasising the need to protect Nigeria’s democracy for all its citizens.
