Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary and prominent political activist, Comrade Timi Frank, has praised Senator Seriake Dickson for what he called an “uncommon act of political bravery” in the face of growing authoritarianism under the Bola Tinubu administration.
Frank commended the Bayelsa West senator for speaking truth to power during the Democracy Day joint session of the National Assembly, where Dickson publicly decried the federal government’s silence over the deepening constitutional crisis in Rivers State.
“In a hall full of silence and submission, Senator Dickson’s voice rang out clear and fearless. He reminded us what true democracy demands: courage, conscience, and conviction,” Frank said in a statement.
The former governor of Bayelsa had called out the unlawful suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the distortion of legislative authority, and what he described as the Senate’s disturbing tolerance for illegality—all under the watch of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who allegedly shut down Dickson’s attempt to raise a point of order.
Frank called the incident a chilling sign of creeping dictatorship, warning that Nigeria is sliding into dangerous territory where dissent is muzzled and democratic institutions are weaponized.
“What we’re witnessing is not democracy—it is quiet tyranny,” Frank warned. “Senator Dickson stood when others cowered. That’s the leadership Nigeria needs now.”
He also took aim at the current Minority Caucus, accusing it of trading away its constitutional duty for political comfort.
“Let’s be honest. The minority leadership in the National Assembly is asleep, if not complicit. In any serious legislature, Dickson would be Minority Leader by merit, principle, and patriotism.”
Frank warned of possible retaliation against Dickson by political forces unsettled by his outspokenness, but urged the senator not to waver.
“They may try to isolate him. They may try to punish him. But the Nigerian people know the truth—and history is watching.”
He urged other lawmakers and political actors not to let fear or personal gain silence them.
“Democracy survives when patriots rise. Senator Dickson has shown it is still possible to speak boldly, even when it’s dangerous. Others must now follow.”
Frank concluded by calling on Nigerians to resist the normalization of impunity and authoritarianism masquerading as governance.
“Power is fleeting. But the people endure. Those who enable oppression today will answer to the judgment of history tomorrow.”