The Senate engaged in an extensive debate on Wednesday regarding Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, but the session became tense when Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) crîticised his colleagues for suggesting commendation for President Bola Tinubu despite the escalating vîolênce across the nation.
Speaking during the deliberation on a motion addressing recent attacks in several states, Dickson wårned that Nigeria was facing levels of insecurity “that even nations at war do not experience,” citing kîllings, mass abductions, attåcks on schools, and the dëaths of senior military officers, including a Brigadier General.
He asserted that the tone of the motion and some contributions from lawmakers in the majority party were “unnecessarily political” and fåiled to reflect the gravity of the crîsis.
Dickson stated that the Senate must avoid “sugarcoating” the situation and instead provide the President with honest assessments, insisting that commendation at this time was “ill-timed, insensitive, and even provocative.”
He expressed frustration that Senate President Godswill Akpabio interrupted him before he could finish his remarks.
He clarified that his reference to “the other side” was standard parliamentary language referring to the majority caucus, not an insult.
The former governor of Bayelsa argued that many lawmakers supporting the call for commendation cannot visit their constituencies due to insecurity, while some communities are under the control of terrorists who impose taxes and operate parallel authorities.
“Our duty is to express strong solidarity with the security forces who are fighting and dying, whilst enhancing oversight, appropriation, and policy advice,” he said.
He called for a thorough investigation of defence spending over the years, warning that despite trillions budgeted for security, the country continues to lose territory and lives to what he described as “a ragtag band of têrrorîsts.”
Dickson suggested that an entrenched “war economy” may be undermining Nigeria’s counter-terr0rîsm efforts.
Senator Dickson also supported the Senate’s decision to investigate the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of military personnel in Kebbi, the capture and kîlling of Brigadier General Uba by ISWAP, and the Army’s handling of the incident.
He extended condolences to the families of fallen soldiers and all victims of insecurity, emphasising that the nation is “at war” and requires decisive leadership grounded in honesty, not flattery.
In conclusion, Dickson accused the Senate President of repeatedly attempting to silence his contributions on national issues but vowed not to be intimidated.
“The majority may have their way, but the minority must have their say. The presiding officer is first among equals, not a boss,” he said. “I will not give up. Dêmocracy must thrive, and we must protect this country with truth and courage.”
Naija news channel