Saraki Dickson: Tinubu Squandered Precious Chance to Revive Democracy in Rivers
Saraki Dickson, the senator representing Bayelsa West, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for his failure to confront the political turmoil in Rivers State during his Democracy Day address.
During a press conference at the national assembly complex on Wednesday, Dickson remarked that the day ought to be one of hope and introspection.
The legislator noted that during the plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a communiqué from Tinubu concerning appointments in Rivers State.
Dickson stated that he invoked a constitutional point of order in response to these appointments but was disregarded by Akpabio.
“You also saw me rise to invoke a constitutional point of order, which is my right as a senator,” he declared.
“Regrettably, the Senate President ignored it—he did not respond, did not acknowledge it, and dismissed it. He hurried through the president’s communiqué, and we proceeded.
“That, once again, is a flagrant suppression and disrespect for my rights and privileges.”
The senator expressed concern over the development, particularly because it occurred on a day intended to uphold democratic values.
Dickson contended that the president’s communiqué amounted to endorsing what he termed “military rule” in Rivers State.
“Many of us were embarrassed—ashamed, even,” he remarked.
“The president’s communiqué was essentially about deepening the undemocratic, unconstitutional military rule presently in effect in Rivers State. That was why I raised the point.
“It is disconcerting that on Democracy Day—a day meant to symbolize freedom, civil governance, and justice—such communications were read unchallenged.”
He criticized the president’s speech, noting that it was filled with grand promises but failed to address genuine democratic concerns.
“Yes, the president’s speech was impressive and eloquent in parts. He made commendable declarations of democratic ideals and principles,” Dickson stated.
“But as I often say, words alone are insufficient. Democracy is not built by words. It is sustained by actions—actions and more actions.”
He commended Tinubu for acknowledging the sacrifices of democratic heroes but argued that those values were undermined by ignoring the Rivers crisis.
“You cannot profess to be a democrat on one hand, while trampling democracy underfoot on the other.
“The president missed a golden opportunity today to bolster democracy by restoring constitutional governance in Rivers State,” he asserted.
Dickson argued that the president’s silence on the issue was “deafening” and demonstrated a preference for partisan politics over constitutional order.
“This is not about Governor Fubara’s origin or political affiliation—if he even has one.
“Today, individuals switch parties so frequently we can scarcely keep track. This is about the people of Rivers State, their democratic rights, and the sanctity of our constitution,” he remarked.
He cautioned that the dangerous precedent set in Rivers could proliferate to other regions of the nation.
“By catering to certain political interests, the president has jeopardized Nigeria’s broader democracy.
“What transpires today in Rivers could transpire tomorrow in Lagos or Kano. No one holds power indefinitely.
“If we permit this precedent, what prevents a future president from declaring a state of emergency in Lagos or Kano, dismissing duly elected officials, appointing administrators, and governing the state from Abuja?”, he queried.
He affirmed that his stance was based on principle, not regional or political interest.
“I say this not merely as someone from Bayelsa, but also proudly as someone maternally from Ijebu.
“That is why we must not allow this to stand. That is why I raise my voice. This is not merely about Rivers State. It is about safeguarding our democracy for every Nigerian—north, south, east, and west,” he stated.
