Akpabio Violated My Rights as a Senator – Senator Seriake Dickson Criticizes Tinubu’s Democracy Day Speech

Senator Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West, has raised significant concerns about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent address during the joint session of the National Assembly, which was held in celebration of Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day.

Speaking with journalists shortly after President Tinubu’s remarks, Senator Dickson accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of infringing upon his constitutional privileges during the session.

He expressed dismay that Senate President Akpabio hurriedly read through President Tinubu’s official letters to the National Assembly without giving room for necessary interventions. Dickson asserted that his attempt to raise a constitutional issue was blatantly overlooked, stressing, “This is not the way a democracy functions. That’s typical of military rule, not democratic governance.”

Senator Dickson further lamented that his senatorial rights were completely disregarded, particularly his entitlement to bring up constitutional matters for discussion during such significant occasions.

According to LMSINT MEDIA, several political observers and stakeholders have also expressed dissatisfaction with the president’s Democracy Day address. Critics argue that President Tinubu failed to acknowledge or offer solutions to the socio-economic challenges confronting the Nigerian populace.

Instead, many Nigerians feel the speech leaned more towards political grandstanding, allegedly mocking opposition parties rather than providing meaningful commentary on the rising insecurity and widespread killings across the country.