Senator representing Bayelsa West in Nigeria Senate,Seriake Dickson has sharply criticized the defection of Governor Douye Diri from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accused the governor and others who followed suit of fleeing the mess they created within the party.
Reacting after the Senate plenary on Wednesday, Dickson expressed his disapproval of Diri’s move, despite several consultations on the matter. He emphasized that there was no compelling reason for a second-term governor to switch parties, especially at a time when the PDP was still a significant force in Nigerian politics.
While condemning the defection, Senator Dickson said he remained steadfast in his commitment to the PDP, stressed the importance of a vibrant multi-party democracy in Nigeria. He warned that the ongoing defections were weakening the country’s democracy, and he expressed concern that the current trend would ultimately lead to a one-party system, which he believes would be detrimental to the nation’s political future.
Dickson also weighed in on the nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), commending President Tinubu for what he called a “very good choice.” He affirmed his full support for Amupitan’s confirmation, asserted that as a law Professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Amupitan’s leadership would play a pivotal role in the future of electoral reforms in Nigeria.
Senator Dickson reiterated his belief in the necessity of opposition in a democracy, stating that without it, democracy itself would be undermined.
