Senator Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West has taken a stand against President Bola Tinubu, demanding that lawmakers confront him about Nigeria's worsening security crisis. Rather than showering the President with praise, as some have done, Dickson insists it’s time for a reality check. His passionate delivery during a Senate session highlights the rising anger among legislators over the government's failure to address rampant abductions and violent crimes plaguing the nation.
Senator Dickson is clearly fed up with political niceties, urging his colleagues to drop the “sugarcoating” and be honest about the grim security situation. He accuses some lawmakers of indulging in “unnecessary hypocrisy” and failing to provide the President with the unvarnished truth about the state of affairs. “The President needs to hear the truth! No more sugarcoating!” he proclaimed, as he positioned himself as a beacon of honesty amidst what he sees as political flattery.
His remarks were sparked by a controversial motion praising President Tinubu's security efforts, which he deemed “ill-timed and insensitive.” Dickson argues that such commendations are tone-deaf, especially when countless citizens continue to live in fear. “If everything was going well, we wouldn’t be in this mess!” he exclaimed, emphasizing the stark disconnect between the political elite and the harsh realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Moreover, Dickson pointed out the disturbing fact that many lawmakers are now unable to visit their own constituencies due to the overwhelming threat of violence. He painted a dire picture of regions overrun by terrorists who impose their own rules and taxes. “Our priority should be supporting the brave souls on the frontlines,” he insisted, calling for rigorous oversight of the huge sums of money allocated to military and security agencies. “We need to know where the money is going!” he added, reflecting the growing demand for transparency in government spending.
The senator didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Senate President, accusing him of “deliberately misinterpreting” his statements during the debate. Dickson expressed outrage at what he saw as attempts to stifle his voice on critical national matters. “I will not be silenced!” he declared defiantly, emphasizing that no senator should be forced to conform to the Senate President’s expectations. “In democracy, the majority may rule, but the minority must be heard!” he asserted, positioning himself as a champion of free speech in the legislature.
Moreover, Dickson has called for urgent inquiries into alarming incidents, such as the withdrawal of military personnel from Kebbi State and the tragic assassination of Major General U. A. Uba by ISWAP terrorists. “We deserve answers!” he said, insisting that the Senate must investigate these troubling events and how the military has responded.
In closing, Senator Dickson expressed his condolences to the families of fallen soldiers and victims of violence, rallying the nation to confront these issues with honesty and resolve. His remarks strike a chord with many Nigerians who are growing increasingly tired of the government's ineffectiveness and are demanding accountability and decisive action from their leaders.
