Seriake Dickson: Tinubu missed golden opportunity to restore democracy in Rivers

Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa west, has faulted President Bola Tinubu for failing to address the political crisis in Rivers state during his Democracy Day speech.

Speaking at a press briefing at the National Assembly complex on Wednesday, Dickson said the day should be one of hope and reflection.

The lawmaker said during the plenary, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a communication from President Tinubu regarding appointments in Rivers state.

Dickson said he raised a constitutional point of order in response to the 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 said.

“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.

“That, again, is a blatant suppression and disrespect for my rights and privileges.”

The senator said the development is troubling, particularly because it happened on a day meant to uphold democratic values.

Dickson said the communication from the president amounted to supporting what he described as “military rule” in Rivers state.

“Many of us were embarrassed—ashamed, even,” he said.

“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.

“It is troubling that on Democracy Day — a day that should symbolise freedom, civil rule, and justice — such communications were read without challenge.”

He criticised the president’s speech, noting that it made lofty promises but failed to address real democratic concerns.

“Yes, the president’s speech was impressive and flowery in parts. He made fine declarations of democratic ideals and principles,” Dickson said.

“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 praised Tinubu for recognising the sacrifices of democratic heroes but said those values were undermined by ignoring the Rivers crisis.

“You cannot claim to be a democrat on one hand, while trampling democracy underfoot on the other,” he said.

“The president missed a golden opportunity today to strengthen democracy by restoring constitutional rule in Rivers state.”

Dickson said the president’s silence on the issue was “deafening” and showed 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 said.

“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 warned 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 said.

“What happens today in Rivers could happen tomorrow in Lagos or Kano. No one holds power forever.

“If we allow this precedent, what stops a future president from declaring a state of emergency in Lagos or Kano, sacking duly elected officials, appointing administrators, and running the state from Abuja? ”

He said his position is based on principle, not region or political interest.

“I say this not just as someone from Bayelsa, but also proudly as someone maternally from Ijebu,” he said.

“That is why we must not allow this to stand. That is why I raise my voice. This is not just about Rivers state. It is about protecting our democracy for every Nigerian — north, south, east, and west.”