Dickson rejects role in Senate probe of Sylva, says investigation should not target one individual
Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has withdrawn from a Senate committee investigating former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, over allegations of diverting $14.8 million.
Dickson said he opted out of the probe because it appeared to single out Sylva, without examining others linked to the management of the funds. He argued that a fair investigation must look at the entire handling of the fund, possibly from inception, rather than focusing on just one transaction.
The senator explained that he attended the meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Content believing it was an interactive session with the Executive Secretary and his team. Upon realising that the session was convened specifically to investigate Sylva, he objected to what he described as a “selective inquiry.”
According to him, “the committee should not probe only one person. If there must be an investigation, it should cover the full management of the fund, not a single transaction.”
Dickson added that the EFCC had already taken steps regarding the allegations, suggesting that the anti-graft agency had reached an advanced stage in its own probe. He maintained that the Senate committee, though empowered to conduct investigations, did not need to revisit a matter already being handled by federal authorities.
The former Bayelsa governor stressed that he also withdrew based on principle, noting that Sylva is his predecessor in office and he would not participate in any process that appears aimed at pulling him down. He emphasized that despite their long-standing political differences since 2011, he does not believe in politics that seeks to destroy opponents.
“I do not join issues to fight or pull down anyone,” Dickson said, adding that he prefers political contests to remain within elections, campaigns, and legal processes—never through attempts to damage rivals after elections.
Dickson reaffirmed his philosophy that “everyone is important” and that if one cannot help another person, they should avoid contributing to their downfall. He said his political career is anchored on service, fairness, and faith, not on vengeance or hostility.
He noted that although political opponents have often tried to undermine him using federal influence, propaganda, and incitement, such efforts have failed. “To the glory of God, they have not succeeded so far, and God is still on His throne,” he said.
The senator further stated that his colleagues on the committee understood his position when he explained it during the meeting, after which he excused himself from the proceedings.
Dickson emphasized that as a former governor, he feels a lifelong responsibility to support all Bayelsans and Nigerians regardless of party affiliation. He said he wanted to publicly clarify his stance as the committee continues with the investigative hearing, which he acknowledged has the constitutional authority to proceed.
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