Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) has clarified why he stepped down from participating in a Senate investigation involving former Petroleum Minister and ex-Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva.
Dickson said he recused himself after learning that the Senate Committee on Local Content had convened an investigative hearing focused specifically on allegations that Sylva diverted $14.8 million belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
In a statement released on Facebook, the former Bayelsa governor said he objected to what he described as a “selective inquiry.” He argued that if lawmakers intended to probe the fund, they should examine its entire management from inception, not a single transaction that had already drawn the attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“I felt this approach was too selective, especially since the EFCC has already taken steps and investigated the matter,” he wrote. “While the committee has the powers to investigate, I do not believe this particular transaction needed another probe.”
Political Neutrality, Not Rivalry
Dickson also emphasized that his withdrawal was driven by principle, not politics. Although he and Sylva have been political rivals for over a decade, he said he refuses to engage in actions that could be seen as a “pull-him-down” tactic.
“The person involved is my predecessor. I have a policy of not fighting or pulling down anyone,” he said. “We have not been in the same political camp since 2011, but I do not contribute to anyone’s problems, even opponents.”
He added that while political contests are settled at the polls and through legal processes, he avoids participating in efforts to damage the reputations of political figures from his home state.
Background to the Case
The EFCC recently declared Sylva wanted over alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14.8 million belonging to the NCDMB. The agency urged the public to provide credible information that could facilitate his arrest.
However, Sylva’s media aide, Julius Bokoru, described the EFCC’s move as a “coordinated political onslaught,” arguing that earlier political allegations against Sylva had “morphed” into financial accusations.
The Senate Committee’s investigation continues without Dickson’s participation.
