Democracy Day: Senator Dickson Faults Tinubu’s Address, Accuses Akpabio of Silencing Senate Intervention

Senator Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day address and accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of violating legislative protocol during the joint session of the National Assembly held Thursday to mark the 2025 Democracy Day.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the President’s speech, Dickson said he was denied the opportunity to raise a constitutional point of order, claiming that Akpabio hurriedly read through the President’s letters to the National Assembly and shut down any form of debate or intervention.

“That’s not how democracy works. That’s how military regimes operate,” Dickson stated. “The Senate President completely disregarded my right to raise a constitutional issue. As a lawmaker, I am entitled to speak on matters of national importance.”

The former Bayelsa State governor said the development was a worrying sign of executive overreach and weakening democratic norms, especially during an event meant to commemorate Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.

The Senator’s criticism comes amid growing dissatisfaction with President Tinubu’s address. Several political stakeholders and citizens have faulted the speech for failing to address pressing national issues such as insecurity, inflation, and economic hardship.

According to many Nigerians, the President used the occasion more to taunt opposition parties than to acknowledge or provide solutions to the challenges facing the country.

Dickson’s comments have sparked renewed debate over the role of the National Assembly in holding the executive accountable and ensuring the constitutional rights of lawmakers are respected during parliamentary proceedings.