Henry Seriake Dickson
@iamHSDickson • 134,043 subscribers
Senator of the Federal Republic @NGRSenate. Former Member of @HouseNGR. Former Governor of Bayelsa State 2012 - 2020. Servant of the People.
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Today, during the debate on the Electoral Act Amendment, I reiterated my well-known views on the need for amendments that will strengthen the transparency of our elections. Most importantly, I emphasized the necessity for electronic voting and the electronic transmission of election results. I also stressed the need to shift the burden of proof in electoral matters so that INEC bears the responsibility of proving that the elections it conducts are in conformity with the laws, guidelines, and rules — rather than leaving that burden on the contestants. We are currently working on the new Electoral Act Amendment, in which I am deeply involved. We wish Nigeria the best. HSD.
Henry Seriake Dickson144,444 görüntüleme • 10 ay önce
Yesterday, at the Senate plenary, I voted NO to the proviso that has the capacity of whittling down the mandatory electronic transmission of election results from the polling units in Form EC8A. As I have explained severally, this proviso adds nothing to the law but has the capacity to be misused, misunderstood, and used to undermine electoral integrity and transparency. My view is that INEC has already explained that it has the capacity to transmit election results in over 90% of polling units. Therefore, I feel it is the duty of INEC, once we make it mandatory, to come up with guidelines and regulations that will stipulate strict conditions for the few cases where presiding officers may not be able to transmit electronically as a result of communication failure; and these, from the last INEC report, cannot be more than 7%. My view, therefore, is that we should leave it for INEC to handle through its regulations and guidelines. The law should only make provision for mandatory electronic transmission, which we have done, and we should stop there. Hence, I voted yesterday, galvanised opinions, and also joined in voting NO to the inclusion of the proviso. Unfortunately, as I have said, the majority is determined to utilise its numbers, and they did so effectively. In a democracy, the majority has its way, but the minority will have its say. I believe that the majority should be used for the national good and not otherwise. It is now left for INEC to stipulate strict conditions for the admission of election results not transmitted electronically. It is also for the courts to bear in mind the general good when interpreting this section to promote electoral integrity and transparency. As I have said, the citizens must not give up. They should organise and support candidates and parties that promote and respect democratic norms, and organise and mobilise against candidates and parties that do otherwise. We wish Nigeria well. —HSD.
Henry Seriake Dickson64,449 görüntüleme • 6 ay önce
INSECURITY: LET'S TELL PRESIDENT TINUBU THE TRUTH, NOT COMMENDATION Today, the Senate had an elaborate discussion on the security situation in the country, which has worsened in the last few weeks. When the Senate President recognised me to speak, I started by reminding him how I raised this issue with him a couple of days ago, and the need for us to work together. I added that it was good the matter had come up by way of a motion. I felt that the deterioration of the security situation in most communities, the killings and abductions, and even the killing of soldiers and officers — one of them of the rank of Brigadier General — and the way terrorists are abducting students, with bandits attacking several States at the same time, are situations that even nations at war do not experience. Therefore, the matter should be examined with all the seriousness it deserves. I stated that it is very clear that not only our democracy is under threat, but the nation itself is being reduced, belittled, and threatened. I also disagreed with the approach and tone of the motion, and some of the comments from members of the majority party who, in my view, were unnecessarily political. That, in my view, did not match the seriousness of the issue. At this point, the Senate President did not allow me to conclude my comments. But what I was saying was that, yes, as I have said several times, the entire nation is under attack, and we must all unite to address this challenge. I do not agree with the request in the motion, supported by the majority of speakers from the majority party, that the President and the government should be commended. I disagree with it.
Henry Seriake Dickson84,600 görüntüleme • 9 ay önce
Today, I officially announced my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and formally declared my membership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a party I founded and whose leadership has appointed me as its National Leader. The journey of the NDC has been long in the making, and I helped midwife the process that led to its creation. In making the decision to go with the NDC, I made it clear that Nigeria must never become a one-party state. It would have been easy for me to join the bandwagon of politicians decamping to the ruling party—the APC, but that was never an option for me. My decision is informed by a number of reasons: the APC’s abuse and disrespect of the country’s diversity, its inability to effectively manage national security, and its failure to manage the economy in a manner that protects the welfare of Nigerians, resulting in widespread hunger, poverty, and disillusionment. This is further compounded by the mismanagement of our democratic space and the rejection of electoral reforms, leaving democratic liberties under threat after twelve years in power. My decision to set up the NDC has been a painful one because of the PDP’s contribution to me, the people of Bayelsa and all Nigerians, but the reality is that we must move forward. By my nature and background, I am not a politician of convenience but one guided by conviction, principles, and values. The Nigeria Democratic Congress is a national platform for patriots committed to building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Nigeria. Our priorities begin with national security, ensuring the protection of lives and property through strengthened defence and security institutions; education and skills development to build human capacity and drive national progress; affordable and quality healthcare for all Nigerians; a free-market economy guided by responsible regulation and social protection; industrialisation and local production to reduce dependence on imports; modernised agriculture and food security across the value chain; empowerment and inclusion of women and youth in governance and development; true federalism and devolution of powers to strengthen states and local governments; environmental protection and remediation of degraded areas; provision of affordable housing and modern towns; Pan-Africanist foreign policy and economic diplomacy; preservation and promotion of Nigeria’s culture and heritage; expansion of national infrastructure and transportation networks; reliable and sustainable power and energy supply; reform of the public service to ensure efficiency and accountability; and large-scale employment creation across sectors to provide opportunities for all Nigerians. The NDC will promote an independent judiciary, a free and independent press and ensure the promotion and protection of democratic norms and adherence to the rule of law. It is for these reasons that I have chosen to align fully with the NDC as we work together to build a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive Nigeria. I also explained why I could not align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). I thank the ADC leaders for not succumbing to the pressures of a one-party state, however I am yet to clearly understand their position on some of the fundamental issues and principles that I strongly stand for and believe in. Furthermore, I am not sure if the ADC is a coalition or a collision, but I hope they prove me wrong. ADC leaders are personally known to me; we interact and will continue to do so in furtherance of Nigeria’s democracy. I therefore call on all our people, and indeed all Nigerians who believe in justice, equity, and a new Nigeria, to join this movement. The NDC is a platform for all who are committed to building a nation founded on true federalism, responsible leadership, and shared prosperity for all our people. I thank all Nigerians for their prayers and support. -HSD
Henry Seriake Dickson55,852 görüntüleme • 5 ay önce
We were warmly received by the good people of Kano State.
Henry Seriake Dickson37,868 görüntüleme • 5 ay önce
A few days ago, at the meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Content, I had cause to recuse myself when I got to know that it was an investigative hearing summoned to investigate allegations of diversion of $14.8m against the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva. As I explained, I attended believing it was an interactive forum with the Executive Secretary and his team. When I discovered that the hearing was specifically summoned for that purpose, I raised objections—firstly, on the ground that there should be no selective inquiry; that the entirety of the management of the fund, perhaps from inception, should be investigated, if at all, and not just one transaction. 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 — meaning they have investigated and reached a certain level. I thought the Committee need not investigate that particular transaction, even though it has the powers to do so. 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. I am not like other politicians from my area or the typical politicians in Nigeria who celebrate the downfall of opponents and people they disagree with. The person concerned and I have been on different ends, leading different tendencies in various political battles in my state since 2011 till date. While we do not meet or speak or pursue any common political agenda, and we have not been in the same party since 2011, I do not practise politics that involves pulling people down or contributing to their problems. I have always limited political contest to campaigns during elections, where I outplan, out-campaign, strategize, and defeat them on the ground and through legal processes, but never by trying to bring anyone down after elections. As part of this policy I have extended support and encouragement to all who operate at the federal level in spite of political or partisan differences, knowing that if political interests do not align until elections, we will then resolve such differences at the polls. As I have always told our people, “we are few”; everyone is important. If you cannot help someone, leave the person alone, and don't destroy them. That has been my policy, which I have practised and taught for several years. As I have always maintained, 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. I know that they don’t treat me the same way. When they are in a position to bring me down, they don't spare anything to achieve that goal, but to the glory of God, they have not succeeded so far, and God is still on His throne. I know these are very trying times, particularly for the people affected, and I do not intend to add to anyone’s problems. It is God who has always fought my battles and has ensured that my opponents, despite all they do using federal power or federal might, blackmail or propaganda, incitements, in spite of all these, they have not defeated my tendency till date. Even when all the major political figures unite against me, backed by federal might and greater resources, they still lose, as my politics is achored on God and the support and prayers of men — not on violence, destruction and pulling people down or celebrating their misfortune and downfall. It is on account of this that I explained my position to my colleagues in the committee, who saw reason with me, and I left. As a former governor, I feel I have a lifelong responsibility of support and fairness to all Bayelsans; which is why I have protected, supported, and encouraged all persons from my state, from the Niger Delta region, and all Nigerians, irrespective of party, till date on all issues that have been brought before me.
Henry Seriake Dickson28,972 görüntüleme • 9 ay önce
Today, I formally notified the Senate of my change of party affiliation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a party of which I am the Founder and National Leader. The party is recording tremendous success across the country, and I wish to commend Nigerians for their solidarity, support, and the confidence reposed in us. I also commend our state and national officials for the work they are doing, and I urge them to keep up the fight for a multiparty democracy in Nigeria. I call on the public to continue to register en masse to enable us comply with the requirements, which we are confident of meeting despite the shortness of time. All political parties are currently carrying out their membership registrations, and we are determined to also meet the requirements, as the law does not stipulate a minimum number of registered party members. We are even recording successes far beyond our expectations for a political party that is barely two weeks old. I therefore invite all like-minded persons, those who are dissatisfied in their parties, professionals, politicians and Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the system, as well as those whose associations were not registered, to join us in building a viable and credible political party. Again, I thank Nigerians for their support and confidence, and I urge all to register across the country. The NDC is for us all. -HSD
Henry Seriake Dickson19,480 görüntüleme • 5 ay önce
Daha fazla içerik yok.