Speaking on Democracy Day, a day honouring the nation’s return to civilian rule, former Bayelsa State Governor and current Senator Seriake Dickson warned against what he called “growing authoritarian tendencies” in Nigerian politics, saying, “There is no place for bootlicking and sycophancy in a true democracy.”
Dickson’s remarks came shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s letters asking the Senate to confirm nominees for important positions in Rivers State commissions were read aloud on the upper house floor.
Shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s letters asking the Senate to confirm nominations for important posts in Rivers State commissions were read aloud on the upper chamber floor, the senator made his remarks.
In a letter to the Senate, President Tinubu requested appointments to the Civil Service Commission, Local Government Service Commission, and Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. As part of what the presidency defined as measures to guarantee continuity and functionality in the state’s government structures, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the requests during plenary.
Senator Dickson, however, swiftly brought up a point of order to question the timing and suitability of the President’s requests, particularly in light of Rivers State’s worsening political situation. A heated power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has rocked the state.
Dickson said, “The circumstances in Rivers State are indicative of a broader democratic dysfunction.” “Federal overreach into issues that are constitutionally state-owned cannot be normalised.”
Dickson tried to continue, but Senate President Akpabio cut him off, ordering the Senate Leader to move for adjournment right once so that legislators could move forward with the joint session with the House of Representatives.
There were mutterings in the Senate after the quick end of the debate, with some senators appearing to be uncomfortable with how the matter was being handled.
In a subsequent speech to reporters, Dickson reiterated that disagreement and institutional respect—rather than deference to authority—are what democracy depends on. “We must not overlook the nagging indications of tyranny on a day when we need to consider the sacrifices made for democracy. The integrity of our institutions must be safeguarded, particularly at the state level.
His remarks have reignited discussions about the significance of principled leadership, legislative independence, and the role of federal authority in state matters.
The altercation on the Senate floor, according to observers, highlights members’ mounting concerns about how the present administration is interpreting—or ignoring—democratic norms.
Dickson’s caution serves as a reminder that the real test of democratic endurance is not in celebrating but rather in having the guts to point out its degradation as Nigeria celebrates another year of democracy.
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