Dickson Slams Tinubu Over Failure to Restore Democracy in Rivers

Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, launched a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, accusing him of betraying the ideals of Democracy Day by failing to address the political crisis in Rivers State. The former Bayelsa State governor made the remarks shortly after President Tinubu’s address to the joint session of the National Assembly to mark 26 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.

In a passionate media chat, Dickson said the occasion, which should have reinforced democratic values, instead became a platform for what he described as “a direct assault on hope.” He lamented that Tinubu’s address, though filled with lofty rhetoric, was silent on the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly — a move he condemned as unconstitutional and anti-democratic.

“Let me start by saying Happy Democracy Day to all Nigerians — even though one might ask: are we truly happy?” Dickson asked rhetorically. “Democracy is supposed to inspire hope, but what we saw today in the Senate was a direct assault on that hope.”

Condemnation of Emergency Rule and Appointment of Administrator

Senator Dickson expressed dismay over President Tinubu’s failure to reverse what he called the “military-style suppression of democracy” in Rivers State. He condemned the March 18, 2025, pronouncement in which Tinubu suspended elected officials in Rivers and installed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state administrator — a move Dickson argued was equivalent to a federal takeover of a state government.

He described the situation as a dangerous and undemocratic precedent, warning that the imposition of emergency rule in a state controlled by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amounted to a “forceful takeover.” Dickson noted that the President’s recent actions, coupled with his silence during the Democracy Day address, betrayed an agenda inconsistent with the spirit of federalism and multiparty democracy.

“The best way to show that the President is committed to democracy is to respect the rights of everybody — to free speech and free participation — and most importantly, restore as quickly as possible democratic rule in Rivers State that was unjustifiably taken away,” he said.

Senate Session Sparks Outrage over Suppression of Debate

Dickson also voiced strong displeasure over how the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, handled proceedings during the joint National Assembly session. According to him, his attempt to raise a constitutional point of order after the President’s communication was read was deliberately blocked. He said this suppression was indicative of the growing intolerance of dissent and erosion of parliamentary independence.

“My right as a Senator to raise a constitutional issue was completely disregarded,” Dickson lamented. “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 further questioned the timing of the communication, which announced federal appointments in Rivers State on a day meant to celebrate democracy. “Why read this communication today, of all days, if not to send a chilling message about federal overreach?” he asked.

Dickson Criticism of Tinubu’s Silence and Body Language

Dickson did not spare President Tinubu in his critique, describing the President’s body language and strategic decisions as aligning with a one-party state agenda. He said that despite Tinubu’s denial of working toward a one-party system, his administration’s conduct contradicted his public statements.

“They want a Nigeria of sycophants. They want a Nigeria of people who say yes to everything,” Dickson declared. “And the National Assembly cannot be that. Once you’ve caged the National Assembly, you have caged democracy.”

He emphasized that restoring democracy in Rivers would be a meaningful way for Tinubu to prove his commitment to the Constitution. “You cannot preach democracy and practice autocracy,” Dickson said. “President Tinubu’s speech was beautifully written, but his silence on Rivers betrays a troubling disregard for the rule of law.”

A Warning Against Federal Overreach and Political Repression

Concluding his remarks, Senator Dickson warned that what is unfolding in Rivers State could set a dangerous national precedent. He stressed that the crisis should concern every Nigerian, regardless of party affiliation, as it represents a threat to democratic governance across the country.

“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,” Dickson stated. “If Rivers can be treated this way today, what stops it from being Lagos or Kano tomorrow?”

Drawing from past events in Lagos during the general elections, Dickson highlighted what he perceives as a pattern of political repression orchestrated through federal influence. “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 said. “We are sliding into a dangerous place where federal might is used to subvert local democracy.”

Senator Dickson’s comments have further ignited the national conversation on the role of the Federal Government in state affairs and raised alarm over Nigeria’s democratic trajectory amid growing concerns of authoritarian tendencies in governance.