Key Points
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Senator Dickson urged lawmakers to give the president truthful updates on rising insecurity.
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He condemned praising the government while citizens and soldiers face killings and abductions.
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Dickson backed Senate investigations into military withdrawals and security lapses across Nigeria.
Senator Seriake Dickson has warned that the country faces a deep security crisis that demands honest conversation with President Bola Tinubu.
He said the scale of killings, kidnappings and armed attacks has pushed many communities into fear and displacement.
Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West, noted that those close to the president should brief him on the real situation instead of offering praise.
He argued that Nigeria is “under attack” and that national leaders can’t pretend otherwise.
Senate Debate Turns Tense
The senator described what happened during Wednesday’s debate on insecurity. He said he reminded Senate President Godswill Akpabio that he had raised these concerns before.
He explained that the killing of soldiers, including a brigadier general, and the steady abduction of students show a level of violence even countries at war struggle with.
He said the tone of the motion presented by majority lawmakers did not match the seriousness of the crisis. He rejected their push to commend the president, calling it political and insensitive.
According to him, the Senate President cut him off before he finished his remarks.
“Tell the President the Truth”
Dickson stressed that the Senate must offer oversight, not applause. He said the nation is shrinking under the weight of violence and that the institution must stand on the side of citizens who feel abandoned.
He argued that commendation at a time of mass killings, displacement and public fear is “ill timed” and “provocative.” He said many lawmakers who supported it cannot visit their own districts because of insecurity.
Calls for Serious Oversight
The senator urged the upper chamber to investigate how security funds are used. He noted that trillions have been budgeted for the military over the years, yet dangerous groups continue to overrun rural communities and run parallel structures that impose taxes on residents.
Dickson said presidents often live in an “executive bubble” where protocol limits the information they receive. He urged those who see the president often to give him honest assessments.
Senate Must Reflect the Reality
He argued that the Senate’s resolutions must reflect the lived experience of citizens and security personnel. He warned against hypocrisy and “eye service,” saying it harms both the country and the presidency.
Dickson also backed the Senate’s decision to probe the military’s withdrawal from parts of Kebbi before a recent attack.
He called for a full investigation into the capture and killing of Brigadier General Uba by ISWAP and how the Army handled the aftermath.
Condolences and a Defence of Minority Voices
Dickson extended condolences to families of soldiers, police officers and civilians killed in recent attacks.
He also accused the Senate President of repeatedly trying to stop him from speaking on national issues. He said the presiding officer is “first among equals” and not a boss who can silence others.
He vowed not to back down, saying democracy only works when minority voices are heard.
