Senator Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West, sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu on Thursday for remaining silent on the escalating political crisis in Rivers State. He accused the Federal Government of supporting what he called a “military-style suppression of democracy.”
Speaking to journalists after a joint session of the National Assembly commemorating Democracy Day, the former Bayelsa State governor expressed disappointment that Tinubu’s nationwide address failed to mention what he described as a “constitutional aberration” occurring in Rivers.
“Happy Democracy Day to Nigerians,” Dickson began, “but we must ask ourselves: are we truly happy? Democracy should offer hope, but what unfolded today in the Senate was an attack on that hope.”
Dickson reacted strongly to a communication from the President about political developments in Rivers, which Senate President Godswill Akpabio read during the plenary session. He said the Senate leadership deliberately blocked his attempt to raise a constitutional point of order immediately afterward.
“They completely disregarded my right as a Senator to address constitutional concerns,” he said. “The Senate President rushed through the President’s message and shut down my intervention. That’s not democracy — that’s how military regimes behave.”
Dickson accused Tinubu’s administration of using federal power to legitimize unconstitutional actions in Rivers State. He warned that such moves go against the spirit of June 12, a day meant to honor Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
“It’s deeply ironic that, on a day celebrating civilian rule, the Senate endorsed actions that undermine the Constitution,” he said. “Reading that message today was no coincidence — it sends a chilling signal about federal overreach.”
Dickson also criticized Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech, calling it eloquent but out of touch with Nigeria’s political realities.
“You can’t preach democracy and practice autocracy,” he said. “Tinubu may have delivered a well-written speech, but his silence on Rivers shows a disturbing disregard for the rule of law.”
Rejecting claims of political motivation, Dickson stressed that his concerns stem from a commitment to constitutional order, not partisanship.
“This issue isn’t about Governor Fubara or political parties,” he said. “It’s about the people of Rivers State and the future of democracy in Nigeria. If they can undermine democracy in Rivers today, what stops them from doing the same in Lagos or Kano tomorrow?”
He recalled the power struggles during the general elections — especially in Lagos — as early signs of federal-backed political repression.
“Lagos showed us what a blatant power grab looks like during elections,” Dickson warned. “What’s happening in Rivers continues that dangerous trend — using federal might to subvert local democracy.”
He urged Nigerians from all backgrounds to defend democratic values and institutions. This fight isn’t about one state or leader — it’s about all of us,” he declared. “June 12 stood for dignity, justice, and the people’s voice. We must honor that legacy, not betray it.”
