Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, on Thursday criticized President Bola Tinubu for failing to address the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, accusing the Federal Government of enabling what he called a “military-style suppression of democracy.”
The former Bayelsa State governor voiced his concerns to journalists after a joint session of the National Assembly marking Democracy Day. He expressed disappointment that Tinubu’s nationwide speech ignored what he described as a “constitutional aberration” unfolding in Rivers State.
“Let me start by saying Happy Democracy Day to all Nigerians — even though one might ask: are we truly happy?” Dickson said. “Democracy is supposed to inspire hope, but what we saw today in the Senate was a direct assault on that hope.”
His criticism stemmed from a presidential communication regarding Rivers State, read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Dickson alleged that his attempt to raise a constitutional point of order afterward was deliberately blocked.
“My right as a Senator to raise a constitutional issue was completely disregarded,” he said. “The Senate President rushed through the President’s message and ignored my intervention. That’s not how democracy works. That’s how military regimes operate.”
He accused the Tinubu administration of legitimizing “unconstitutional governance” in Rivers through federal backing, warning that such actions contradict the spirit of June 12, which symbolizes Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
“It’s deeply ironic that on a day meant to celebrate the triumph of civil authority, the Senate is endorsing actions that undermine the Constitution,” Dickson noted. “Why read this communication today, of all days, if not to send a chilling message about federal overreach?”
Dickson argued that Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech, while well-delivered, ignored Nigeria’s harsh political realities.
“You cannot preach democracy and practice autocracy,” he said. “President Tinubu’s speech was beautifully written, but his silence on Rivers betrays a troubling disregard for the rule of law.”
Dismissing claims that his stance was politically motivated, Dickson insisted his concerns were about constitutional integrity rather than partisan interests.
“This is not about Governor Fubara. It is not about political parties. It is about the people of Rivers State and the survival of democracy in Nigeria,” he asserted. “If Rivers can be treated this way today, what stops it from being Lagos or Kano tomorrow?”
He cited past electoral power plays, particularly in Lagos, as evidence of a growing trend of political repression backed by federal might.
“What we saw in Lagos during the elections was a blatant power grab. What’s happening in Rivers now is the continuation of that trend,” he warned. “We are sliding into a dangerous place where federal might is used to subvert local democracy.”
Dickson called on Nigerians across ethnic and political divides to defend democratic institutions.
“This is not just about one state or one governor. This is about our collective future,” he declared. “The struggle of June 12 wasn’t just about voting — it was about dignity, justice, and the voice of the people. We must not betray that legacy.”
