Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West in the Senate, has explained why he recused himself from the recent meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Content, which was convened to investigate allegations of the diversion of $14.8 million linked to the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva.
According to Senator Dickson, he had initially attended the committee session under the impression that it would be an interactive forum with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and his management team.
However, he discovered that the hearing had been specifically summoned as an investigative session into a particular financial transaction involving the former minister.
Upon learning this, Dickson raised objections and subsequently recused himself, citing both ethical and procedural concerns.
In his explanation, Senator Dickson argued that investigations of this nature should cover the entirety of the NCDMB fund’s management, possibly from its inception, rather than focusing on a single transaction.
“While the committee has the powers to decide what to investigate, I feel that this approach is too selective, especially bearing in mind that it is public knowledge that the EFCC has already taken steps, meaning they have investigated and reached a certain level,” he stated.
He also explained that his recusal was motivated by a policy of fairness and personal integrity, particularly because the transaction under scrutiny involved a former governor of his state.
Senator Dickson emphasised that he does not engage in politics aimed at pulling down opponents or celebrating their misfortune.
Senator Dickson, a former governor himself, said: “I have a policy of not joining to fight or pull down anyone.
”I am not like other politicians from my area or the typical politicians in Nigeria who celebrate the downfall of opponents and people they disagree with.”
He added that while he and Chief Sylva have been on opposite sides in political contests since 2011, their political rivalry has always been limited to electoral strategies and campaigns, conducted legally and transparently.
“We do not meet or speak or pursue any common political agenda, and we have not been in the same party since 2011.
”I have always limited political contest to campaigns during elections, where I outplan, out-campaign, strategise, and defeat them on the ground and through legal processes, but never by trying to bring anyone down after elections,” he said.
The senator also highlighted that his policy extended beyond political opponents to support individuals operating at the federal level, regardless of party affiliations, emphasising that cooperation and fairness should transcend political divisions.
Senator Dickson elaborated on his broader philosophy, stating that his political career is anchored on service to God and humanity, and not on destruction or opportunism.
“I build, I raise, I develop, I defend; I don’t destroy or pull down,” he affirmed.
He reflected on the challenges he had faced in politics, noting that even when federal powers and resources have been mobilised against him, attempts to undermine his position have not succeeded.
“When all the major political figures unite against me, backed by federal might and greater resources, they still lose, as my politics is anchored on God and the support and prayers of men, not on violence, destruction and pulling people down or celebrating their misfortune and downfall,” Dickson said.
Senator Dickson stressed his lifelong responsibility as a former governor to support and encourage all citizens of Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta region, and Nigeria, irrespective of political differences.
He made clear that while he stepped aside from the committee session, he respects the committee’s authority to continue the investigative process.
“I would like the public, who know I am a member of the committee, to know my stand, as the committee progresses with the investigative hearing, which they have the powers to do,” he said.
