Dickson Slams Tinubu Over Silence on Rivers State During Democracy Day Speech
Senator Seriake Dickson , representing Bayelsa West, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for failing to address the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State during his Democracy Day speech.
Speaking to journalists after the joint session of the National Assembly marking Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day anniversary, Dickson condemned what he called a “military-style suppression of democracy” in Rivers.
He expressed deep disappointment over the President’s silence on the state’s governance issues.
“Let me begin by wishing Nigerians a Happy Democracy Day—even though one could ask—are Nigerians truly happy today?” he said.
“Democracy is about hope, but what we saw in the Senate chamber was a mockery of that hope.”
Senate Session Turns Heated Over Presidential Communication
During the Democracy Day plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a communication from the presidency regarding political appointments in Rivers State.
Dickson attempted to raise a constitutional point of order—but said his right as a Senator was completely ignored.
“The Senate President rushed through the President’s communication and brushed aside my intervention,” he said.
“That is a blatant suppression and disrespect for parliamentary privilege. The majority may have their way, but the minority must have its say.”
Dickson Accuses FG of Promoting ‘Unconstitutional Military Rule’
The former Bayelsa governor described the presidential communication as an attempt to entrench unconstitutional rule in Rivers.
“It is troubling that, on a day meant to celebrate civil rule and justice, the Senate chose to read an undemocratic communication without challenge,” he stated.
“Why choose today—of all days—to endorse actions that clearly violate the Constitution?”
While acknowledging Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech as “flowery and impressive in tone,” Dickson said there was a clear gap between the President’s words and the political realities on the ground.
“You cannot claim to be a democrat on paper and trample on democracy in practice,” he added.
“The President missed a golden opportunity to restore constitutional order in Rivers.”
Not About Party or Person, But Democracy – Dickson
Dickson rejected claims that his stance was politically motivated.
“This is not about Governor Fubara or any party,” he said.
“It is about the people of Rivers State and the sanctity of our democratic institutions.”
He warned that allowing federal interference in elected state governments sets a dangerous precedent.
“What happened in Lagos during the elections was a power grab. What is happening in Rivers is a continuation of that trend. We cannot build democracy on repression and silence.”
A Call to Defend Democracy for All Nigerians
In closing, Dickson urged all Nigerians—regardless of political affiliation—to speak up for democratic values.
“This is not just about one state,” he said.
“It is about protecting our democracy for every Nigerian—north, south, east, and west. We owe it to those who fought, and we owe it to future generations to do better.”
Call to Action: Share Your Thoughts!
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💬 Leave a comment below and join the conversation on how Nigeria can protect its democratic institutions.
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