Sen. Seriake Dickson Tells Presidency The plain Truith, Not The Praises. By CHINONYEREM IGWE

Recently, the Senate engaged in a comprehensive discourse regarding the deteriorating security landscape in our nation, which has escalated in severity over the past few weeks. When the Senate President God'swill Obot  Akpabio acknowledged Sen.Seriake Dickson to speak, he  commenced by reminding him of their recent dialogue concerning this pressing issue, emphasizing the imperative for collaborative actions. Seriake expressed his satisfaction that this matter had been raised formally through a motion.

"It is abundantly evident that the decline in security across numerous communities, the rampant killings and abductions, and the tragic slaying of soldiers and officers—one of whom held the rank of Brigadier General—coupled with the audacious abduction of students by terrorists and the simultaneous assaults by bandits across multiple states, reflect conditions that even nations embroiled in warfare do not endure. Consequently, this situation warrants examination with the utmost gravity it deserves". said the Bayelsa West Senatorial District.

He articulated that it is unmistakably clear that not only is our democracy under siege, but the very fabric of our nation is being diminished, belittled, and menaced. He also expressed his dissent regarding the approach and rhetoric of the motion, as well as the remarks from several members of the majority party, which, in his estimation, veered into unnecessary partisanship. "This, in my opinion, did not align with the seriousness of the matter at hand"  

He reiterated on numerous occasions, the entirety of the nation is under assault, and we must collectively unite to confront this challenge. According to him,he cannot endorse the motion, which was supported by the majority of speakers from the ruling party, advocating for commendation of the President and the government. He categorically oppose it.

 speaking further, he advised   Mr.President  apprised of the unvarnished truth, and those who have access to him, particularly from the majority party and other quarters, ought to convey the dire realities.

The 

Sen.Seriaki highlighted the gravity of the situation, was such that there should be no embelishing or attempts at political correctness, as such actions constitute, in hs iview, an unnecessary hypocrisy and a disservice to both the country and the President. Sen. Dickson, urged the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, endowed with the authority to oversee the President, the military, and the ministers responsible for security. "It is our duty to fulfill this responsibility to the nation and the citizens of Nigeria, who currently face assaults, displacement, trauma, loss of life, and pervasive anxiety". They are left wondering what actions their leaders and government are undertaking.

 He proferred solutions on an  articulated,and a robust objection to the motion of commendation, deeming it ill-timed, insensitive, and even provocative. Such a stance is detrimental to the reputation of the Senate as an institution and to the President, who is the object of this commendation. If the situation were indeed being managed effectively, we would not find ourselves in our current predicament. How must the victims, the soldiers engaged in combat, the hostages of kidnapping, and the families of the deceased

Frowning  over some Senators who voiced support for this commendation yet are unable to visit their communities or senatorial districts due to rampant insecurity and violence. There are members of the National Assembly whose senatorial districts are presently under the control of terrorists who impose parallel governance and extort various forms of taxes from their constituents. How do we expect the populace to react? There are soldiers, police officers, and other security personnel from across this nation who are valiantly fighting and sacrificing their lives. Our obligation is to convey unwavering solidarity and support to those on the frontlines while collaborating with the Executive. This must be accomplished through effective oversight, appropriations, and policy guidance.

Sen. Dickson told Senate President that he willfully misconstrued his reference to "the other side." Clarifying that The Senate and the National Assembly, along with other legislative bodies, are structured into two distinct rows: one representing the majority party and the other the minority party. A reference to the o

ther side of the aisle merely denotes this arrangement.