Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) has clarified why he recused himself from a Senate investigative panel examining allegations of diversion of $14.8 million linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Bayelsa governor, Timipre Sylva.
The probe, initiated by the Senate Committee on Local Content, concerns funds belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). Sylva was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on November 10 over alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of the said amount.
In a statement released on his Facebook page, Dickson said he stepped aside from the process once he realised the hearing had been convened specifically to examine the transaction involving Sylva. He argued that a selective investigation would be inappropriate.
He stated that while the committee undeniably has the authority to conduct such inquiries, “the entirety of the management of the fund, perhaps from inception, should be investigated, if at all, and not just one transaction.” He also noted that the EFCC had already made progress on the matter, suggesting that duplicating the investigation was unnecessary.
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‘I Don’t Pull People Down’
Dickson further explained that his decision was guided by principle and personal policy, stressing that although he and Sylva have remained political rivals since 2011, he does not believe in using official platforms to target opponents.
“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,” he said.
According to the senator, political disagreements should remain within the context of elections and democratic competition, not personal vendetta or post-election hostilities.
“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,” Dickson added.
Sylva’s Camp Faults EFCC Declaration
Reacting to the EFCC’s action, Julius Bokoru, Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to Sylva, described the agency’s move as a “coordinated political onslaught” aimed at damaging Sylva’s reputation. He said the shift from earlier political allegations to financial accusations raised concerns about an orchestrated campaign.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has also expressed reservations about the EFCC’s decision to declare Sylva wanted, urging caution and fairness in the handling of the matter.
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