By Gabriel Ukuta
In a passionate intervention during today’s Senate deliberation on the worsening security situation in Nigeria, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson delivered a strong and uncompromising message: this is not the time for commendation, but for truth, honesty, accountability, and national resolve.
The Senate had convened to debate a motion on the escalating wave of killings, abductions, terrorist attacks, and the latest disturbing incidents involving the murder of soldiers and senior officers including a Brigadier General and the abduction of schoolchildren across multiple states. The discussion came amid widespread public anxiety and a sense of national vulnerability.
When recognized to speak, Senator Dickson reminded the Senate President that he had earlier raised concerns about the spiralling insecurity and the need for coordinated legislative action. He welcomed the debate but expressed strong dissatisfaction with the tone and thrust of the motion, particularly the proposal supported mainly by members of the majority party to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for their handling of security.
Senator Dickson firmly rejected what he described as an “ill-timed and insensitive” attempt to commend the President at a moment when countless Nigerians are displaced, traumatized, kidnapped, or killed, and when vast territories have effectively fallen under the control of terrorists.
He argued that the situation is so dire that even countries at war do not experience the level of simultaneous attacks currently witnessed in Nigeria, where bandits and insurgents routinely strike multiple states in coordinated fashion.
“Not only is our democracy under threat, but the nation itself is being reduced, belittled, and endangered,” he said.
He cautioned lawmakers against politicizing the crisis or indulging in sycophancy, stressing that Parliament must be honest and courageous, especially in moments of national emergency.
At the core of Senator Dickson’s message was a call for sincerity and responsible leadership. He insisted that those close to the President especially members of the majority party owe him the duty of honest advice, not flattery.
“The President needs to be told the truth. Sugarcoating the situation is hypocrisy and a disservice to the nation and even to the President himself.
He noted that presidents often operate within what he called an “executive bubble,” shielded by protocol and security structures that limit their direct exposure to the true realities on the ground. In such circumstances, he argued, objective feedback is essential.
Senator Dickson emphasized the constitutional responsibility of the Senate to hold the Executive, security chiefs, and defence institutions accountable. He called for a thorough investigation into the trillions of naira allocated to security over the years.
Despite massive spending, he lamented, the country has witnessed no commensurate improvement in manpower, equipment, morale, or outcomes.
He raised serious concerns about an entrenched “underground war economy” a network of interests that seem to profit from prolonged conflict and insecurity.
“Why should Nigeria be losing a war to a ragtag group of terrorists when our military performs excellently in external operations?” he questioned.
Dickson insisted that true honour must go to those fighting on the frontlines and to the victims of violence, not to politicians.
He questioned how victims, families of fallen soldiers, or constituents displaced from their homes would feel watching the Senate praise-sing the government in the midst of national grief.
Some of the very lawmakers calling for commendation, he noted, cannot even visit their home communities because terrorists have taken over large parts of their senatorial districts.
Senator Dickson also accused the Senate President of repeatedly preventing him from expressing his views fully, both today and on previous occasions. He rejected the Senate President’s interpretation of his reference to “the other side,” clarifying that it is standard parliamentary language referring simply to the majority or minority benches.
He reminded the chamber that in a democracy, the majority may have their way, but the minority must have their say.
“The presiding officer is first among equals, not a boss. I will not be intimidated or deterred."
The Bayelsa Senator endorsed the Senate’s decision to investigate: the withdrawal of military personnel in Kebbi State, and the circumstances surrounding the capture and killing of Brigadier General Uba by ISWAP, including how the Army handled the aftermath and the welfare of his family.
He extended condolences to the families of all fallen soldiers and victims of insecurity nationwide.
Senator Dickson concluded by urging all stakeholders, legislators, political leaders, and advisers to rise above partisanship and face the national crisis with honesty and courage.
“Nigeria is at war. We are losing our citizens, our soldiers, and our territories. Our reputation is in question. This is a time for frankness, strong political will, and decisive leadership.”
He reiterated his unwavering commitment to speaking the truth, defending democracy, and representing the Nigerian people with integrity.
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