Seriake Dickson, The Man And His Principle-centered Politics -By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

One of the greatest problem plaguing Nigerian politics of today is what I call “politics of anything-goes”: politics without ideology, politics without principles. It is the politics with disregard to the rules of engagement; politics where leaders and politicians abuse their mandate and pursue primordial agenda rather than the interests of those they are meant to represent. In this regard, it is always cheery to see those who have decided to be different. And one of those who have distinguished themselves as leaders with a difference is Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

For some time now, I have closely monitored his politics and his lofty antecedents and decided to identify with him for he has clearly shown himself as a man of principle who cannot be swayed by fleeting gains or vainglory but one who is guided by principle of service to the people. In this era of political shenanigan and pettifoggery where politicians are defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in droves, the former Bayelsa governor chose not to jump on the bandwagon. In principle he stuck to his plan to ensure that Nigeria Democratic Congress, a political project that he has pursued for close to a decade now, is registered by the INEC.

His Excellency Henry Seriake Dickson does not need any formal introduction. He is one of those that have bestridden the politics of not just his state and Niger Delta region but national politics like colossus. He was the governor of Bayelsa State from 14 February 2012 to 14 February 2020. He was a member of the House of Representatives from 2007 until 2012 and a serving senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District.

A lawyer by training and orientation, Senator Seriake Dickson’s foray into politics began with the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) where he served as the party’s first state chairman in Bayelsa from 1998 to 2000 and after his tenure as chairman he was elected the party’s National Legal Adviser, a position he held till 2002. Dickson was appointed the Attorney-general and commissioner for Justice in Bayelsa State in 2006.  And in 2007 he was elected to represent Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives where he distinguished himself equitably in law making, participating actively in debates, serving in different committees such as Justice, Defense, National Security, Intelligence and foreign Affairs. And for his performance, he was re-elected by his people, the first to be so honored by his people. In 2012, he was elected Bayelsa State governor by the people of Bayelsa. As a governor, he invested more in social services (education, health care, housing), to uplift the quality of life of his people, and infrastructure, economic and civil service reforms that gave Bayelsa a facelift. Again, in 2020, after his two terms as governor, he won an election to represent Bayelsa West in the Red Chambers of the NASS and was re-elected in 2023.

Clearly, Senator Seriake Dickson did not just have intimidating stature, he has intimidating credentials as well. He is one of the most sought after politician in the country today because he is a man of principle and invaluable electoral asset to any platform he belongs. This is the main reason some elements in the almost moribund Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are regretting his exit from the party. But, he made it clear in his recent appearance while speaking on Politics Today, a program on Channels Television, that his exit though regrettable was inevitable. “I have chaired reconciliation committees under different leaderships, so I know the weaknesses and strengths of the party. It won’t be correct to say that I left PDP. The PDP, unfortunately, has left us,” he stated. “The PDP as I knew it, the PDP Nigerians have known since its formation, the PDP that I came to be part of after leaving the Alliance for Democracy as its National Legal Adviser… that PDP has since been killed and buried,” he added.

Seriake Dickson is a dogged fighter of what he believes in. Since 2017, he has fought assiduously, working with like minds, surmounting the obstacles and objections from the INEC to ensure the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, the newest political party in Nigeria. Now he has been fittingly appointed the national leader of the party.

He is deeply religious and ethical in conduct. He believes that service to man is service to God. This has always been his guiding principle in political engagement. He believes the purpose of leadership is service to the people. He is of the view that the reason for poor leadership and poor governance is conflict of personal interest over general interest. And that why he states that: “People must agree to be reasonable and place the interest of the party and the country above personal ambition,”

Dickson’s political philosophy is anchored on principles of service and respect for equity and the rule of law. When prodded on why he did not defect to the APC as others did, he maintained that it was because the party’s abuse and disrespect for the nation’s diversity, its inability to effectively manage our national security and the economy to enhance the welfare of the citizens, something that has resulted in misery and hardship to the masses. He decries the APC invidious plot to turn the country into a one-party state, something he opines that might destroy our democracy if the opposition did not wake up to the challenges ahead.

This was what informed his decision to work for the registration of the NDC as a viable alternative for Nigeria. The party will prioritize national security, economic reforms, devolution of power and true federalism. The NDC according to the National leader will, “promote an independent judiciary, a free and independent press and ensure the promotion and protection of democratic norms and adherence to the rule of law”. He said that it was for these lofty reasons that he has chosen to align fully with the NDC as they work together to build a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive Nigeria.

Hajia Hadiza Mohammed 

hajiahadizamohammed@gmail.com

An actress, social activist, politician

London, UK