Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has commended Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for his stance on the political crisis in Rivers State, describing his remarks as a bold defense of democracy.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Frank praised Dickson for speaking out following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State of the Nation Address, saying his concerns about federal interventions in Rivers were timely and courageous.

Dickson, a senator representing Bayelsa West under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had criticised the President’s failure to acknowledge or explain the political turmoil in Rivers, including the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the entire State House of Assembly. He also questioned the legality of actions taken by a federally appointed Sole Administrator.

Addressing journalists at the National Assembly after the Democracy Day sitting, Dickson accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of stifling debate by preventing him from raising a point of order concerning letters from the Sole Administrator seeking Senate confirmation for appointments into key commissions in Rivers State.

Timi Frank described Dickson’s intervention as necessary for democratic survival, commending his refusal to remain silent.

“At a time when many politicians across party lines have become political cowards and sycophants, he stood up and spoke the truth. History will remember him,” Frank said.

Frank warned that the federal government under APC is drifting toward authoritarianism and said opposition voices like Dickson’s are vital to Nigeria’s democracy.

“What Senator Dickson has done mirrors the kind of legislative courage we often see in mature democracies like the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. Though he may appear alone within the National Assembly, the Nigerian people stand firmly behind him,” he stated.

He further cautioned against attempts to silence dissent in the Senate, including through suspensions, saying such actions have been used before to suppress political opposition.

“We have seen this before—lawmakers punished for standing on the side of the people. But Dickson should not be deterred. His strength lies in the truth and in the people,” Frank added.

Frank also criticised the Senate’s minority leadership, claiming it has failed in its duty to oppose anti-democratic measures.

“It is regrettable that Senator Abba Moro, the current Minority Leader, has failed to fulfill the traditional role of opposition. If Nigeria’s democracy were functioning as it should, someone like Senator Dickson would be leading the Senate’s minority caucus,” he said.

He accused the ruling party of coercive political tactics, alleging harassment of opposition members and erosion of democratic norms.

“True governance does not require intimidation or the forced alignment of political opponents. But this administration seems determined to silence all dissent,” Frank said.

He called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and insisted that leaders who prioritise political survival over the public good will ultimately be held accountable.

“This government will pass, but Nigeria will endure. Those who turned their backs on the people will one day answer to history,” he added.