Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has publicly endorsed Senator Henry Seriake Dickson's criticism of President Bola Tinubu's administration, particularly regarding its handling of the Rivers State governance crisis.

In a personally signed statement released on Friday, Frank commended Dickson for his "patriotism and courage" in highlighting what he described as democratic inconsistencies in the federal government's approach to Rivers State.

Dickson's Bold Stand in Parliament

Senator Dickson, the former governor of Bayelsa State, had criticized President Tinubu during the State of the Nation Address before a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday. Dickson specifically condemned the President for failing to address the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months since March 2025.

The Senator also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of suppressing his earlier attempt to raise concerns about letters from the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas. These letters had sought Senate confirmation for nominees to the State Electoral Commission and the Civil and Local Government Service Commissions.

Frank's Endorsement of Dickson

In his statement, Frank described Dickson as a "hero and present-day defender of democracy" for opposing what he termed a "democratic aberration" in Rivers State imposed by the Tinubu administration.

"Senator Dickson played the role of a true opposition by speaking the minds of ordinary Nigerians. He did not just make me proud as a citizen of Nigeria; he has made me proud as an Ijaw son," Frank stated.

"He has made me proud as a Bayelsan. He has made me proud as a Niger Delta son, and he has made the entire country proud by speaking truth to power against those destroying our democracy and the country," he added.

Frank further praised Dickson for his principled stance at a time when "many politicians cutting across party divides in Nigeria have become political cowards and sycophants."

Criticism of the Current Administration

The former APC spokesperson alleged that the ruling party and Tinubu's government "don't believe in democracy and the rule of law" but rather in "impunity, dictatorship, and a one-party state."

He compared Dickson's actions to lawmakers in established democracies like the United States, United Kingdom, and South Africa, where elected representatives regularly challenge executive decisions.

"It might look like he is alone, but we want to let him know that the Nigerian masses are with him," Frank emphasized, suggesting that other legislators were aware of issues with the president's speech but remained silent due to "sycophancy."

Frank also expressed concern that Dickson might face suspension for his outspokenness, similar to other senators who had "stood up for the truth in the past." He criticized the Senate's minority caucus for being "totally compromised" and failing to provide strong opposition leadership.

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