Senator Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West has issued a sharp rebuke to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, condemning his administration’s silence over the protracted political turmoil in Rivers State. Speaking at the National Assembly in Abuja, Dickson accused the President of contradicting his professed support for democracy by turning a blind eye to the deepening crisis.
As Nigeria marked Democracy Day, Dickson’s remarks cast a shadow over the celebrations, pointing to what he described as the government's failure to uphold democratic principles. He criticized the presidency for enabling undemocratic practices by neglecting its responsibility to intervene in the unrest destabilizing one of Nigeria's most politically sensitive states.
The Rivers State political crisis has been marked by a series of intense confrontations, including internal party divisions, contested elections, and allegations of suppression of opposition voices. Governor Nyesom Wike remains at the heart of the controversy, with detractors accusing him of electoral manipulation and autocratic leadership.
Despite growing tensions and calls for federal intervention, the Tinubu-led administration has remained conspicuously quiet—an approach that has drawn significant criticism from across the political spectrum. Dickson argued that this silence amounts to complicity, undermining the credibility of the President’s stated commitment to democratic values and good governance.
What adds weight to Dickson's criticism is the context of President Tinubu’s own Democracy Day address, in which he urged Nigerians to safeguard democratic institutions and embrace unity. The senator, however, described these declarations as hollow, noting that the President’s actions—or lack thereof—fail to align with his public rhetoric.
This is not the first time President Tinubu has faced scrutiny over his democratic credentials. The controversial 2023 general elections, which saw him declared winner amid widespread allegations of electoral malpractice, have fueled ongoing skepticism about his administration’s transparency and accountability.
Dickson’s outspoken remarks reflect a broader concern about the state of governance in Nigeria. As political unrest continues in Rivers State, many citizens and opposition voices are demanding clearer leadership from the presidency and tangible efforts to restore stability and uphold democratic integrity.
The stakes remain high. With Nigeria’s democracy still evolving, the behavior of those in power will significantly influence public trust in national institutions. For now, the silence from Aso Rock on the Rivers crisis speaks volumes—and has sparked louder calls for action from lawmakers like Senator Dickson.