Senator Seriake Dickson has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu for his silence on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, calling it a direct contradiction of democratic principles. Speaking after the joint session of the National Assembly on Democracy Day, the Bayelsa West senator expressed deep concern over what he described as a "military-style suppression of democracy" in Rivers State.
Senator Dickson condemned the President’s failure to address the situation in his Democracy Day speech, arguing that democracy cannot be celebrated while being undermined in practice. "You cannot preach democracy and practice autocracy," Dickson stated. "President Tinubu’s speech was beautifully written, but his silence on Rivers betrays a troubling disregard for the rule of law."
The senator further alleged that the federal government is enabling unconstitutional governance in Rivers State, warning that such actions set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy. "If Rivers can be treated this way today, what stops it from being Lagos or Kano tomorrow?" he asked.
Dickson urged Nigerians to stand in defense of democratic principles, emphasizing that the issue transcends political affiliations. "This is not about Governor Fubara or any party. It is about the people of Rivers State and the survival of democracy in Nigeria," he declared.