“I Don’t Pull Down Opponents — Dickson Recuses Himself from Sylva $14.8m Probe”
By Passman Akpos
Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has publicly explained his decision to recuse himself from a Senate Committee on Local Content hearing investigating allegations of a $14.8 million diversion against former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva.
In a detailed statement, Senator Dickson said he initially attended the meeting expecting an interactive session with the Executive Secretary and his team. Upon realizing that the hearing had been specifically summoned to investigate the alleged diversion, he raised objections over what he described as a “selective inquiry.”
“Firstly, the entirety of the management of the fund, perhaps from inception, should be investigated, if at all, and not just one transaction,” he noted. “While the committee has the powers to decide what to investigate, I feel that this approach is too selective, especially bearing in mind that it is public knowledge that the EFCC has already taken steps.”
The former Bayelsa Governor emphasized that his decision was also guided by personal principles. “I recused myself because the person affected is a former governor of my state — my predecessor in office, and I have a policy of not joining to fight or pull down anyone,” he said. He further explained that although he and Sylva have been political opponents since 2011 and are no longer in the same party, he refrains from engaging in politics that seeks to destroy or embarrass others.
Senator Dickson described his approach to politics as one centered on service and integrity. “I am in politics for service to God and man — I build, I raise, I develop, I defend; I don’t destroy or pull down,” he said. He added that while others have attempted to use federal power or resources against him, his political approach, anchored on faith and public support, has consistently endured.
The senator reassured the public that his recusal does not impede the committee’s work. “The committee has the powers to do their investigative hearing, which they have every right to pursue,” he said, noting that he simply chose not to contribute to the difficulties faced by those under investigation.
Senator Dickson concluded by reaffirming his commitment to fairness and support for all Bayelsans, as well as Nigerians at large, irrespective of political affiliation.
