The rising wave of insecurity across Nigeria has sparked a heated debate in the Senate, with former Bayelsa State Governor and current Senator, Seriake Dickson, openly rejecting a motion seeking to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on security efforts.
During a plenary session on the nation’s worsening security situation, Senator Dickson insisted that the Senate must be truthful and courageous in addressing the crisis rather than resorting to political praise-singing.
According to him, the recent escalation in killings, widespread abductions, terrorists’ attacks, and even the murder of senior military officers — including a Brigadier General — reflects a level of instability “even nations at war do not experience.”
He expressed concern that several communities across the country are now overrun by terrorists who impose illegal taxes and operate parallel governments. Dickson questioned how lawmakers from the ruling party could support a motion to commend the President when many of them cannot even visit their senatorial districts due to insecurity.
“THE NATION IS UNDER ATTACK”
Senator Dickson argued that Nigeria is facing an existential threat and that the Senate, as the highest legislative body, must rise to its oversight responsibility by telling the President the undiluted truth.
He insisted that those close to President Tinubu must give him honest feedback rather than politically motivated commendations that do not reflect the realities on ground.
“The times do not call for commendation. They call for frankness, patriotism, and genuine collaboration to save our nation. Our people are displaced, traumatised, killed, and left wondering what their leaders are doing.”
He faulted the motion's timing, describing it as ill-timed, insensitive, and provocative, especially to victims of terrorism and the families of fallen soldiers.
CALL FOR FULL INVESTIGATION OF SECURITY SPENDING
Senator Dickson demanded a thorough probe into the trillions allocated to the military over the years, expressing worry that despite massive funding, the security situation continues to deteriorate.
He condemned what he described as a “bottomless war economy” that appears to benefit from the continuation of the crisis. He questioned why Nigeria’s globally respected military continues to struggle against ragtag terror groups within its borders.
DISPUTE WITH SENATE PRESIDENT
Dickson revealed that the Senate President cut him short during his remarks and “deliberately misinterpreted” his reference to members on “the other side,” which he clarified is standard parliamentary language referring to the other party bench.
He criticised repeated attempts to silence him in plenary, warning that such actions threaten democratic engagement.
“In a democracy, the majority may have their way, but the minority must have their say. No Senator is under obligation to speak the way the Senate President wants.”
SUPPORT FOR INQUIRIES INTO SECURITY FAILURES
Senator Dickson backed Senate resolutions to investigate:
- The withdrawal of military personnel from Kebbi State as alleged by the Governor.
- The circumstances surrounding the capture and killing of General Uba by ISWAP.
- The handling of the late General’s family by the military authorities.
He extended condolences to the families of all fallen soldiers, security personnel, and innocent victims of terrorism nationwide.
“I WILL NOT BE DETERRED”
In his concluding remarks, Senator Dickson vowed not to succumb to intimidation in the Senate.
“I will not give up or give in to harassment. Democracy must thrive in Nigeria against all odds.”
As insecurity continues to ravage parts of the country, his message is clear: Nigeria needs honesty, accountability, and decisive leadership — not political commendations.
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