The lawmaker representing Bayelsa West, Senator Seriake Dickson, has blasted President Bola Tinubu over his silence on the deepening political crisis in Rivers State. He recently accused the Federal Government of aiding a military-style suppression of democracy.
Speaking to journalists shortly after a joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate Democracy Day, the ex-Bayelsa State governor disclosed that he was disappointed to see Tinubu fail to address the Rivers crisis in his Democracy Day message.
According to him, what is going on in Rivers is nothing but a constitutional aberration, and the fact that his constitutional point of order was deliberately shut down during the plenary session is proof of military rule.
“Let me start by saying Happy Democracy Day to all Nigerians — even though one might ask: are we truly happy?. Democracy is supposed to inspire hope, but what we saw today in the Senate was a direct assault on that hope.
My right as a Senator to raise a constitutional issue was completely disregarded. 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 said.
Read Also: Atiku Shouldn’t Be Trying To Form A Coalition That Will Sideline PDP – Segun Sowunmi
Accusing the Tinubu government of trying to legitimise unconstitutional governance in Rivers State via federal backing, Dickson warned that such actions work against the spirit of June 12, a day that symbolises 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. Why read this communication today, of all days, if not to send a chilling message about federal overreach?” Dickson said.
He further noted that while Tinubu’s Democracy Day address was fluent, it was very far from the harsh political realities in the country.
Dickson concluded by saying that it doesn’t make sense for any Nigerian leader to preach democracy and practice autocracy.
“You cannot preach democracy and practice autocracy. President Tinubu’s speech was beautifully written, but his silence on Rivers betrays a troubling disregard for the rule of law.
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. If Rivers can be treated this way today, what stops it from being Lagos or Kano tomorrow?
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. We are sliding into a dangerous place where federal might is used to subvert local democracy.
This is not just about one state or one governor. This is about our collective future. 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,” he added.
