Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has warned of failing state accusing the political class of destroying the Nation
In a powerful speech delivered at a one-day workshop organised by the Nigeria Civil Society Alliance for Democratic Change (NCSADC) in Abuja, former Governor and serving Senato issued a damning indictment of Nigeria’s political elite, accusing them of systematically destroying the country’s democracy and institutions.
Senator Dickson, speaking on the theme “Safeguarding
Nigeria’s Democracy Through Unity and Resolve,” warned that Nigeria’s political
class is “unknowingly committing class suicide,” claiming that their actions
have not only weakened the country’s democratic institutions but are driving it
deeper into crisis.
“The Nigerian political class has killed this country, and
you [civil society] should not allow it to happen,” Dickson stated. “They are
killing Nigeria and making this country look small.”
He criticised the common practice of party defections, in
which politicians change allegiances for personal gain, frequently abandoning
the parties that gave them electoral mandates. He also expressed
dissatisfaction with the subversion of institutions such as the judiciary and
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing politicians of
using them to rig elections and silence the opposition.
“Our democracy is at the discretion of the president or
governor…” “They do not even care how the world perceives Nigeria,” he said,
lamenting what he described as a profound disregard for constitutionalism and
democratic norms.
The Senator from Bayelsa State did not spare the judiciary,
characterising it as “helpless” and frequently reduced to reading “body
language” rather than interpreting the law. According to him, court decisions
have become predictable tools in the hands of those in power.
Dickson also accused the ruling political elite of abusing
federal institutions for electoral purposes, employing security personnel,
soldiers, and police to intimidate, harass, or even kill civilians during
elections.
“They want to control INEC, and they want the results
written for them. “They use the DSS, the police, and the army to kill and
suppress people during elections,” he stated. “That is the hallmark of a failed
nation.”
Dickson highlighted the growing disconnect between elected
officials and the people, claiming that many Nigerian politicians no longer
relate to or feel accountable to their constituents.
“They do not even take calls from their customers. Their
homes are too large and too beautiful. “Their people are unable to access
them,” he lamented. “They understand they do not need the people to win
elections.”The system enables them to impose themselves.”
He tasked civil society organisations with holding the
political class accountable, urging them to rise and protect democracy from
total collapse.
“If a political class does not believe in free and fair
elections, the rule of law, and an impartial judiciary, they are destroying not
only the country, but also themselves.”That is class suicide.”
Senator Dickson’s speech resonaAted with many participants,
who applauded his candour and warned that Nigeria’s democracy is in jeopardy
unless immediate reforms to restore electoral and judicial integrity are
implemented.
The workshop brought together civil society leaders,
activists, and academics from across the country, all of whom shared a concern
about Nigeria’s shrinking democratic space.
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