The Senator representing Bayelsa West in the Senate, Seriake Dickson, recently paid tribute to President Bola Tinubu for setting a national standard for presidential funerals, particularly in honour of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking during a Senate valedictory session on Wednesday in honour of the late president, Senator Dickson commended Tinubu’s gesture, emphasising that leaders should be honoured and respected, regardless of differences in life or death.
Dickson further stressed the importance of honouring leaders who have served the nation, just as he commended President Tinubu for setting a standard for presidential funerals, which reflected positively on Nigeria’s leadership.
He said, ”I thank the President for setting the national standard for presidential funerals, which is the right thing; and I lamented that Buhari, regrettably, didn’t extend the same honour to our gentleman President, Shehu Shagari, who died during his tenure
”We have done the right thing by paying tribute to a leader. His eadership is a big burden, and those who served should be honoured and respected even when we disagree in life, as well as in death”, he added.
The former Bayelsa State Governor further said, “On behalf of my constituents, I condoled with the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Presidency, President Tinubu and the nation, the government and people of Katsina State, the Buhari family, as well as the Daura Emirate, which had previously proposed a chieftaincy title on me.”
Dickson while reflecting on his experiences with Buhari, recalled that despite their disagreements on policies and politics, Buhari consistently demonstrated decency and respect for the opposition.
He cited some notable instances when Buhari’s government provided bailouts to states, including those governed by opposition parties, to help them navigate a crippling recession.
Dickson praised Buhari for not discriminating between states based on their governing parties, while also highlighted Buhari’s commitment to fairness during elections.
His words: ”In the 2015 general election, which, to my knowledge, remains the toughest gubernatorial election in this country. Buhari directed all security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be fair. ensure fair. It was reassuring.
”He told me when he gave that directive, even though they didn’t comply on the ground, it was reassuring that the President understood the need for fairness and respect for the rights of the people.
”I said that in 2020, when my tenure was up and my successor’s election was imminent, President Buhari also did the same thing, he called for fairness.
”Even when the elections were leaked and results were written and announced with his advanced team in Bayelsa, less than 24 hours to handing over, President Buhari never called the judiciary of Nigeria to influence their decision. He allowed the law to take its course, ” he said.
Despite their differences, Dickson acknowledged Buhari’s willingness to listen to opposing views.
Dickson further recalled that when he led a group of South-South governors in opposing the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Buhari granted him an audience to discuss his concerns.
The senator also also said he criticised Buhari’s attempt to redesign the naira and his stance on restructuring Nigeria, yet Buhari maintained a respectful demeanor.
He described Buhari as a courteous, respectful, and honourable leader who served Nigeria with distinction and prayed for Buhari’s soul to rest in eternal peace.
