Africa
Senator Dickson Warns Of Failing State, Says Nigeria’s Political Class Destroying The Nation -By Isaac Asabor
Senator Dickson’s speech resonated with many participants, who applauded his candour and warned that Nigeria’s democracy is in jeopardy unless immediate reforms to restore electoral and judicial integrity are implemented.
In a powerful speech delivered at a one-day workshop organised by the Nigeria Civil Society Alliance for Democratic Change (NCSADC) in Abuja, former Governor and serving Senator Henry Seriake Dickson issued a damning indictment of Nigeria’s political elite, accusing them of systematically destroying the country’s democracy and institutions.
Senator Dickson, speaking on the theme “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democracy Through Unity and Resolve,” warned that Nigeria’s political class is “unknowingly committing class suicide,” claiming that their actions have not only weakened the country’s democratic institutions but are driving it deeper into crisis.
“The Nigerian political class has killed this country, and you [civil society] should not allow it to happen,” Dickson stated. “They are killing Nigeria and making this country look small.”
He criticised the common practice of party defections, in which politicians change allegiances for personal gain, frequently abandoning the parties that gave them electoral mandates. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the subversion of institutions such as the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing politicians of using them to rig elections and silence the opposition.
“Our democracy is at the discretion of the president or governor…” “They do not even care how the world perceives Nigeria,” he said, lamenting what he described as a profound disregard for constitutionalism and democratic norms.
The Senator from Bayelsa State did not spare the judiciary, characterising it as “helpless” and frequently reduced to reading “body language” rather than interpreting the law. According to him, court decisions have become predictable tools in the hands of those in power.
Dickson also accused the ruling political elite of abusing federal institutions for electoral purposes, employing security personnel, soldiers, and police to intimidate, harass, or even kill civilians during elections.
“They want to control INEC, and they want the results written for them. “They use the DSS, the police, and the army to kill and suppress people during elections,” he stated. “That is the hallmark of a failed nation.”
Dickson highlighted the growing disconnect between elected officials and the people, claiming that many Nigerian politicians no longer relate to or feel accountable to their constituents.
“They do not even take calls from their customers. Their homes are too large and too beautiful. “Their people are unable to access them,” he lamented. “They understand they do not need the people to win elections.”The system enables them to impose themselves.”
He tasked civil society organisations with holding the political class accountable, urging them to rise and protect democracy from total collapse.
“If a political class does not believe in free and fair elections, the rule of law, and an impartial judiciary, they are destroying not only the country, but also themselves.”That is class suicide.”
Senator Dickson’s speech resonated with many participants, who applauded his candour and warned that Nigeria’s democracy is in jeopardy unless immediate reforms to restore electoral and judicial integrity are implemented.
The workshop brought together civil society leaders, activists, and academics from across the country, all of whom shared a concern about Nigeria’s shrinking democratic space.
