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

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

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 Thursday, 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 the 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.

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“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.

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