Politics
Democracy Day outburst: “Ex-Bayelsa Reps slams Dickson for questioning democratic credentials of Tinubu
By David Owei, Bayelsa
Former Member of the Federal House of Representative from Bayelsa State, Rt. Hon. Isreal Sunny Goli has tackled the former Governor of the State and Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial district, Senator Seriake Dickson over his democracy outburst questioning the democratic credentials of President Bola Tinubu.
Rt. Hon. Sunny Goli, who is also a traditional ruler in Brass Kingdom, HRH Kemmer V Amadabo of Kemmer-Ama, in a statement titled “The Hypocrisy of Henry Seriake Dickson – A Supposed Democrat with an Undemocratic Legacy ” , declared that Dickson’s on criticism of President Tinubu’s interventions in Rivers State rings hollow, considering his own troubling legacy in Bayelsa State during his 8years rule as Governor.
Rt. Hon. Sunny-Goli noted that he was shocked and astonished when he read the outburst of Senator Dickson during the democracy day questioning the democratic credentials of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,”
while Dickson’s tenure as governor was marked by a blatant disregard for democratic principles, earning him a reputation as one of the most undemocratic leaders in the history of Bayelsa State.”
” His administration institutionalized oppression, stifled opposition voices, and exhibited an unparalleled aversion to democratic norms. Dickson’s government made political persecution a state policy, targeting opposition figures through fabricated allegations.”
Rt. Hon. Isreal Sunny Goli also recalled the harrowing experience of the present Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and himself had under the Gov. Seriake Dickson administration in Bayelsa.
Sunny-Goli stated that Ogbuku and himself were falsely accused of murder and extrajudicially targeted for killing or imprisonment. While he escaped being arrested, Ogbuku was not lucky as he was indiscriminately put in prison custody for months.
“Dickson falsely accused myself and Samuel Ogbuku of murder, weaponizing state machinery to crush dissent. The systematic suppression of opposing voices defined his leadership, ensuring that political rivals were either side-lined or silenced.”
“Following the unceremonious end of the administration in which I served as the Special Adviser on Youths to then-Governor Timipre Sylva in 2012, Dickson outrightly withheld my severance payment, along with those of other appointees who served under that administration.”
“His refusal was based solely on our decision to remain loyal to our principal rather than align with him. Only those who crossed over to his camp received their severance benefits. To this day, those of us who stood firm have yet to receive the severance payments rightfully owed to us.”
“In 2015, while serving as a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing Brass Constituency 1, I faced an unjust denial of my constitutional entitlements as directed by Dickson.”
” He actively sought to frustrate my tenure, ensuring I was excluded from official functions, including foreign travel opportunities with my colleagues and denied me my constituency projects.”
“Upon completing my tenure in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, I had no option but to seek justice through the Code of Conduct Bureau. My petition prompted an investigation that uncovered the unjust treatment I had experienced at the hands of the then Speaker, Konbowei Benson (who is now a Senator representing Bayelsa Central).
” He acknowledged that I was owed certain entitlements, following directives from Dickson. It was due to my involvement of the Code of Conduct Bureau that i was eventually paid all that i was owed.”
He also pointed out the alleged penchant dislike of Senator Seriake Dickson for members of the opposition party and the All Progressive Congress (APC), “Dickson’s aversion to democratic governance was further highlighted in his public declaration that he did not recognize any of the lawmakers from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as those from other political parties.”
“Though the opposition legislators were duly elected, he brazenly asserted that only representatives from his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), deserved recognition.”
He also accused the Former Bayelsa Governor of dividing the State along ethnic line in order to score cheap political advantage and disrespect existing rotation agreement reached over the years among political leaders in Local Government areas and Senatorial districts.
According to him,”Beyond his suppression of opposition, Dickson polarized Bayelsa along ethnic lines by introducing the dangerous concept of “core Ijaw” versus “non-core Ijaw” politics. In a state meant to be unified under a common identity, he strategically manipulated ethnic sentiments to serve his personal agenda.”
“Ironically, a man known for silencing dissent and consolidating power now seeks to portray himself as a defender of democracy.”
On the Rivers crisis, Rt. Hon. Isreal Sunny-Goli commended President Bola Tinubu for his quick and practical intervention, describing the President as a steadfast advocate for constitutional governance, ” He has demonstrated exemplary leadership, particularly in his intervention in the Rivers State crisis.”
“Even Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the key figure in the conflict, has expressed appreciation for the President’s decisive action. Yet, Dickson appears determined to insert himself unnecessarily into the discourse.”
“If Dickson were truly a Democrat, he would honour the mutual understanding in Bayelsa West Senatorial District, which mandates the rotation of the Senate seat between Ekeremor and Sagbama. ”
“Instead, he continues to prioritize his personal ambition over the collective will of the people. He should borrow a leaf from the people of Bayelsa East Senatorial District, who have steadfastly upheld their rotational arrangement.”
” This system was designed to ensure an equitable distribution of representative opportunities among the local government areas within the district.”
“Dickson’s history of authoritarianism extends beyond his governorship. His attempts to manipulate senatorial representation, suppress opposition voices, and flout constitutional processes are clear indicators of his undemocratic nature.”
” His criticism of President Tinubu’s interventions in Rivers State rings hollow, considering his own troubling legacy.”
“The people of Bayelsa State and Nigerians at large must not be deceived by Dickson’s revisionist narrative. His tenure was defined by oppression, manipulation, and suppression, values antithetical to democracy.”
“Leadership is judged by actions, not empty rhetoric, and the truth about Dickson’s undemocratic legacy must not be ignored.”
By Our Correspondent
Seventeen members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, on Friday, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).
The lawmakers announced their defection during plenary on Friday, December 5, 2025 at the Auditorium of the Assembly quarters currently used as the hallowed chambers.
The defected lawmakers, led by Speaker of the House, Martin Amaehwule, cited the division in the PDP at the national level as the reason for their defection, noting that the situation has made the future of the party “hazy and nebulous”.
Among the lawmakers who defected to the All Progressive Congress were; the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, Majority Leader, Major Jack, Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Somiari- Stewart, Chief Whip, Hon. Frankline Nwabuchi, and the Deputy Whip, Hon. Ofiks Kabang.
Others are; Hon. Peter Abbey, Smart Adoki, Igwe Aforji, Arnold Davids, Enemi George, Tekenari Granville, Christian Nwankwo, Gerald Oforji, Azeru Opara, Lolo Opuende, and Hon. Solomon Wami.
Recall that the Speaker, Martin Amaehwule had in December 2023, in the heat of the over two years political crisis in the state, led all 27 members of the Assembly loyal to the FCT Minister to the APC but later denied their defection, and returned to the PDP.
Meanwhile, the PDP which is now the minority party in the House with 9 members, has constituted their officers with Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo emerging the Minority Leader, Hon. Barile Nwakoh was elected Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. John Dominic Iderima, Minority Whip, and Hon. Justina Emeji, Deputy Minority Whip.
The Assembly has also renewed its earlier call on the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to forward his list of Commissioner-nominees to the House for screening and confirmation in line with the 1999 Constitution; regretting that “the State is yet to have the complement of a full cabinet.”
The Assembly also reaffirmed its earlier resolution made on the 14th of December, 2023, and adopted the auditorium at the State House of Assembly quarters as its legitimate and lawful Chamber for the conduct of legislative businesses for the life of the Tenth Assembly of the State.
Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaehwule in his speech lauded President Bola Tinubu for his purposeful and exceptional leadership and pledged their support to the APC and the President.
Politics
Sulu – Gambari , Ita Enang , Dambazzau , Ibas Ibok -Ete, 61 others make Tinubu’s Ambassadorial list
By George Mgbeleke
The Senate Thursday received requests for confirmation of nominations of 65 Ambassadorial nominees from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The nominees as read from two different lists by the President of the Senate , Godswill Akpabio during plenary, fell into two categories of 34 Career Ambassadors and High Commissioners and 31 Non – Career Ambassadors and High Commissioners designate .
Notable names among the 34 Carrer Ambassadors and High Commissioners are Ambassador Sulu – Gambari Olatunji Ahmed from Kwara State , Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno from Borno State , Ambassador
Maimuna Ibrahim from Adamawa State etc .
Notable in the list of Non Career Ambassadors and High Commissioners are Senator Solomon Ita Enang from Akwa Ibom State , Vice Admiral Ibas Ibok – Ete from Cross River State , Ex Chief of Army Staff, Abdulrahaman Dambazzau from Kano etc .
President Tinubu in the requests hinged on section 171 sub section 1, 2 and 4 of the 1999 Constitution , sought for expeditious consideration of the nominees .
Accordingly, the President of the Senate, forwarded the requests to the committee on Foreign affairs for screening and report back within one week .
Recall that President Tinubu had earlier forwarded to the Senate , three ambassadorial nominees last week for appointment confirmation .
The three earlier nominees , namely
Kayode Are ( Ogun State), Aminu Dalhatu ( Jigawa) and Ayodele Oke ( Oyo State ), were screened on Wednesday by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello ( Niger North ) led committee .
Full list of the Ambassadorial nominees per state reads : ” Ambassador Ezenwa Chukwuemeka ( Abia ) Maimuna Ibrahim ( Adamawa ), Monica Ogochukwu ( Anambra) ,
Ambassador Mohammed Mahmoud Lele ( Bauchi) ,
Endoni Sindo ( Bayelsa) and Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Minguno ( Borno ) .
Others are Jane Adams Okon Michael ( Cross River ), Clark Omeruo Alexandra ( Delta ), Chimma Geofrey Davies ( Ebonyi) ,
Oduma Yvonne Ehinose ( Edo State ), Wasa Segun Ige ( Edo State )
Ambassador Adeyemi Adebayo Emmanuel ( Ekiti ), Ambassador Onaga Ogechukwu Kingsley ( Enugu ) and
Magaji Umar ( Jigawa) .
Other nominees in the category of Career Ambassadors are
Mohammed Saidu Dahiru ( Kaduna ) ,
AbdulSalam Abus Zayat ( kano) ,
Shehu Barde ( Katsina ) , Aminu Nasiu ( Katsina ),
Abubakar Musa Musa ( Kebbi) ,Mohammed Idris ( Kebbi) ,
Bako Adamu Umar ( Kogi ) ,
Sulu Gambari Olatunji Ahmed ( Kwara ),
Ramata Mohammed ( Lagos ), Shaga John Shama ( Nasarawa )
Salau Hamza Mohammed ( Niger ) and Ibrahim Danlami ( Niger ) .
Others are
Adeola Ibrahim Mopelola ( Ogun) ,
Ruben Abimbola Samuel ( Ondo),
Akande Wahab Adekola ( Osun) ,
Adedokun Esther ( Oyo) ,
Gedagi Joseph John ( Plateau ) ,
Luther Obomode Ayokalata ( Rivers ),
Danladi Yakubu Yaku ( Taraba ) and
Bello Dogondaji ( ( Zamfara ) .
Names on the list of the 31 Non – career ambassadorial nominees are
Senator Grace Bent ( Adamawa ) , Senator Eta Enang ( Akwa – Ibom),
Nkechi Linda Okocha ( Anambra ),
Mahmud Yakubu ( Bauchi )
Philip K. Ikurusi ( Bayelsa ) ,
Paul Oga Adikwu ( Benue ),
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas rtd ( Cross River ),
Hon. Abasi Braimah ( Edo ) and
Erelu Angela Adebayo Ekiti )
Others are Barrister Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa ( Ekiti ),
Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi ( Enugu State ) ,
Barr. Mrs. Chioma Ohakim ( Imo State ),
Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd.) ( Kano State ),
Hon. Tasiu Musa Maigari ( Katsina ) ,
Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Aliyu ( Kogi) and
Olufemi Pedro ( Lagos State ) .
Others are
Barr. Mohammed Ubandoma Aliyu ( Nasarawa ),
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim ( Ondo), Ambassador Joseph Sola Iji ( Ondo ),
Fani-Kayode ( Osun ) , Professor O. Adewole ( Osun) , Florence Ajimobi ( Oyo ), Lola Akande ( Oyo), Professor Nora Ladi Daduut ( Plateau) , Yakubu N. Gambo ( Plateau ) , Chukwujinka Okocha ( Rivers ) , Haruna Abubakar ( Sokoto ) , Rt Hon Jerry Samuel Manwe ( Taraba ) and Adamu Garba Talba Nangree ( Yobe State ) .
By George Mgbeleke
Former local government chairmen in Kano State have adopted the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 governorship race in the state.
The former LG chairmen who served between 2019 and 2022, during the era of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as Governor of the state, adopted Senator Barau during a courtesy call to the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday.
A motion for the adoption of Senator Barau was moved by the former chairman of Rimin Gado Local Government Area, Barrister Dahiru Mannir Maigari, and seconded by the former chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hon. Baffa Mohammed Takai.
When the former chairman of Madobi LGA, Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya, put the vote, all the former chairmen unanimously approved it through a voice vote.
Two members of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon Zubairu Hamza Masu (Sumaila) and Hon Garba Yau Gwarmai (Tsanyawa/Ghari), witnessed the event.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Malam Ismail Mudashir, said that after the voice vote, the local government chairmen appealed to Senator Barau to declare for the governorship race as soon as possible.
Former chairman of Gwale LGA. Alhaji Khalid Ishak Diso informed the Deputy President of the Senate that the people of Kano, especially at the grassroots level, are eagerly awaiting his declaration for the race.
” Kano people are waiting for you to declare for the governorship race. We recently organised an event, where we asked you to declare. You are yet to. The people of Kano are anxiously awaiting your declaration. When are you declaring? Please answer the call to serve our people,” he said.
Also, the former Chairman of ALGON, Baffa Mohammed Takai, who led his colleagues on the courtesy call, said they adopted Senator Barau in view of his outstanding performance in parliament, adding that his contributions to Kano’s development are immense.
” We are here to throw our weight behind you. We are 100 per cent with you. Insha’Allah, you will be the next governor of Kano State, come May 29, 2027. You have the capacity to address the challenges facing our state,” he said.
Responding, the Deputy President of the Senate thanked the former local government chairmen for their support, describing them as grassroots politicians.
“It’s indeed true that Kano was second to Lagos before, in terms of development, in terms of commerce and so on. Unfortunately, Kano is now trailing behind due to a lack of good leadership. Let us not live in denial. This is a fact that we must all work together to address in the interest of our people and state.
“I wish to assure you that by the grace of God, we will take bold steps to bring Kano back to its glorious days. We will succeed by the grace of God. We will always stand by the truth and for our people,” he said.
* Tsanyawa, Ghari stakeholders endorse Barau
Meanwhile, stakeholders from Tsanyawa and Ghari LGAs of Kano State have also thrown their weight behind Senator Barau’s candidature during their visit to him on Wednesday.
A member of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Garba Yau Gwarmai, representing Tsanyawa/Ghari, moved the motion, which Hon. Aminu Yakanawa seconded. A thunderous ovation from over 100 stakeholders in attendance followed the announcement of the endorsement.
Yakanawa told the Deputy President of the Senate that the people of the two local government areas are solidly behind him.
” By the grace of Allah SWT, you are the next governor of Kano State. Our people are solidly behind you, and we are committed to supporting you,” he said
Responding, Senator Barau thanked them for the support, saying the massive support from all the people of the state is a signal of what will happen in 2027.
On the security challenges facing some parts of Tsanyawa and Shanono LGAs, he said, ” We are not leaving any stone unturned in tackling this challenge. We are working underground to bring an end to it. We have taken all the necessary steps. It is not something that we go to radio stations to announce.”
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