How Nigeria’s Political Class Is Destroying The Nation –Senator Dickson

Former Bayelsa State Governor and serving Senator, Henry Seriake Dickson has stated the way and manner Nigeria’s political class was 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, he also warned that the Nigerian state was falling apart as a result.

Senator Dickson said the Nigerian political class was systematically destroying the country’s democracy and institutions, appealing to civil society not to allow such to happen,

With “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democracy Through Unity and Resolve,” as theme, the sitting senator accused them of “unknowingly committing class suicide,” claiming that their actions have not only weakened the country’s democratic institutions but were 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 indiscriminate defections by politicians, who thereby abandon the parties that gave them electoral mandates, saying these had been motivated by personal gains.

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 class 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

“That is the hallmark of a failed nation”, the senator stated.

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.

“They understand they do not need the people to win elections.

“The system enables them to impose themselves”, he stated.

Tasking civil society organisations to hold the political class accountable, the senator urged 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 resonated with many participants, who applauded his candour in their agreement that Nigeria’s democracy was in jeopardy in the hands of the political class, 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.