Akpabio Trampled on My Rights — Senator Seriake Dickson Faults Tinubu’s Democracy Day Address

Senator Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech, raising concerns about both the president’s remarks and the conduct of Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the joint session of the National Assembly.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the session, Dickson alleged that Akpabio violated his constitutional rights by shutting down his attempt to raise a critical constitutional point. He said the Senate President rushed through the president’s letters to the legislature and completely ignored his effort to intervene.

“That’s not how democracy functions,” Dickson stated. “What happened today resembles a military approach, not a democratic process. My right to raise a constitutional issue was completely disregarded.”

The Senator’s protest adds to a growing wave of criticism following President Tinubu’s address, which many Nigerians say missed the mark on urgent national issues. Observers noted that rather than addressing the ongoing insecurity and economic hardship plaguing the country, the president appeared more focused on politics and subtle jabs at the opposition.

Reactions across the country have pointed to widespread disappointment over the president’s failure to speak on the pressing concerns of ordinary citizens, including rampant killings, economic instability, and worsening living conditions.

As discontent continues to build, political analysts warn that the government must start listening to voices within and outside the National Assembly to preserve the spirit of democracy.