Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has thrown his weight behind Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for condemning what he described as President Bola Tinubu's anti-democratic actions in Rivers State.
In a personally signed statement released on Friday, Frank praised Dickson's courage in speaking out against the administration's handling of Rivers State affairs, particularly following President Tinubu's State of the Nation Address before a joint session of the National Assembly.
Dickson's Bold Challenge
Senator Dickson, the former governor of Bayelsa State, had criticized President Tinubu for failing to address the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State in his national address. The senator specifically highlighted the arbitrary suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months since March 2025.
Dickson also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of suppression for not allowing his point of order in the Senate Chamber. The senator had attempted to raise concerns about letters from the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, seeking Senate confirmation of nominees for various state commissions.
Frank's Commendation
In his statement, Frank described Dickson as a "hero and present-day defender of democracy" for courageously opposing what he termed a "democratic aberration" in Rivers State imposed by President Tinubu.
"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's principled stance, stating: "He spoke the truth at a time when so many politicians cutting across party divides in Nigeria have become political cowards and sycophants; he came out boldly to speak the truth."
Criticism of the Administration
The former APC deputy spokesperson lamented that the ruling party and Tinubu's government "don't believe in democracy and the rule of law. They believe 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 officials regularly challenge presidents with the truth and people's expectations.
"It might look like he is alone, but we want to let him know that the Nigerian masses are with him," Frank emphasized, encouraging Dickson to remain fearless in his advocacy.
Frank also criticized other National Assembly members who, according to him, recognized the president's speech was "highly laced with propaganda and deceit" but continued praising the president out of sycophancy.
He expressed concern that Dickson might face suspension for his outspokenness, similar to other senators who have stood up for the truth in the past. Frank also criticized the Senate's minority caucus for being "totally compromised," arguing that a strong opposition would have taken similar action to Dickson's.
Stay updated with the latest political developments by following BenriNews on our social media platforms:
