Senator Dickson Accuses Akpabio of Silencing Him, Rejects Tinubu Praise Amid Security Debate

Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of attempting to silence him during a heated plenary session addressing Nigeria’s worsening security situation.

During the session, Dickson reminded lawmakers that he had previously raised alarms about the nation’s security challenges, which have intensified in recent weeks.

“The Senate had an elaborate discussion on the security situation in the country, which has worsened in the last few weeks. When the Senate President recognised me to speak, I started by reminding him how I raised this issue with him a couple of days ago, and the need for us to work together,” Dickson said.

Tensions flared when Akpabio reportedly tried to cut him off amid a debate on a motion commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of national security a motion Dickson strongly opposed.

“The entire nation is under attack, and we must all unite to address this challenge. I do not agree with the request in the motion, supported by the majority of speakers from the ruling party, that the President and the government should be commended. I disagree with it,” he said.

Dickson highlighted recent killings of soldiers, including a Brigadier General, and mass abductions of students as evidence of a nation under siege.

He argued that commending the President under such circumstances would be disrespectful to victims, frontline security personnel, and terrorized communities.

The confrontation reflects rising tensions within the Senate and mirrors broader public frustration over the government’s handling of insecurity across Nigeria.