Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, has commended Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for his bold stance against what he described as the anti-democratic actions of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly regarding the situation in Rivers State. Frank’s endorsement came in a statement released on Friday, following Dickson’s outspoken criticism of the federal government’s handling of Rivers State during the recent joint session of the National Assembly.
Senator Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, condemned President Tinubu for failing to mention the ongoing state of emergency in Rivers State during his State of the Nation Address. Since March 2025, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been suspended for six months, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas appointed as Sole Administrator. Dickson also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of suppressing his point of order in the Senate, which sought to address letters from the Sole Administrator requesting confirmation of nominees for key state commissions.
In his reaction, Timi Frank lauded Dickson’s patriotism and courage, describing him as a hero and defender of democracy for exposing the irony of celebrating Democracy Day while a Nigerian state remains under what he termed “military rule.” Frank praised Dickson for speaking truth to power at a time when many politicians have become silent or sycophantic, saying, “He has made me proud as a Nigerian, as an Ijaw son, a Bayelsan, and a Niger Delta son.”
Frank emphasized that Dickson’s actions reflect the role of a true opposition lawmaker, comparing his courage to that of lawmakers in established democracies like the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, where confronting the executive is part of democratic practice. He assured Dickson that despite apparent isolation in the National Assembly, the Nigerian masses stand with him.
Frank also criticized the ruling APC and Tinubu’s government for their disregard for democracy and the rule of law, accusing them of favoring impunity and dictatorship. He expressed concern over the compromised state of the Senate’s minority caucus, lamenting that a stronger opposition would have supported Dickson’s efforts.
Warning of possible reprisals against Dickson, such as suspension, Frank encouraged him to remain fearless, affirming that “God and Nigerians will fight for him.” He concluded by asserting that it is better to stand with the people and truth than to side with those undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
