Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has advised the federal government to allow the next administration to implement the new naira note policy.
Dickson, who was governor of Bayelsa State, spoke with journalists in Abuja on the sideline of the mentoring fellowship programme organised by the Rotary Club, Abuja Maitama, where he shared his grass-to-grace story, also expressed worries about the timing of the policy.
He said, “Before the National Assembly’s resolution, I had made my personal view known. Go to my website or blog, you will see my views on it. I am one of those who feel that the policy no matter how well intended, the timing gives me a problem.
“I feel that it is coming in the twilight of an administration that is almost eight years old, and I think a major fundamental policy such as this should be left for the next administration to handle and manage the consequences and fine-tune it. That is my personal opinion, which I have publicly expressed on the floor of the Senate, and also on my blog.
“The executive is going ahead and let’s hope it ends well. Let’s hope that the citizens are not confused and get agitated. Let’s hope it doesn’t distract us from focusing on the fair and peaceful conduct of a very national election,’’ he said.
On the 2023 general elections, Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West Senatorial District, cautioned politicians against inciting comments that could truncate the electioneering processes.
“I am calling on Nigerians not to allow themselves to be divided across ethnic lines and religious divides. Political leaders should bear in mind the primacy of preserving peace, stability, and peace in our country, while we sort out our issues and while we disagree.
“Also, political actors should not make themselves disagreeable while disagreeing. You can disagree without being disagreeable. We should realize that in every world, every action has consequences and repercussions.
“I condemn every uncivil comment or attack on candidates generally. No one is justified in doing so, no supporter is justified in doing so; nobody is justified in inciting, in making statements that can create confusion or crises.
“Elections are just about a month away. Let’s see how we will work and support INEC, support the security services, and all the agencies concerned to deliver a free, fair, and acceptable general election that will throw up a new class of leaders in our country,’’ he said.
Earlier, he spoke about his humble beginning as a village boy, who got enlisted into the Nigerian Police Force as a Constable without ‘knowing’ anybody, adding that his rise to his current status was through the mercy of God.
Also in an interview, the President of Rotary Club Abuja Maitama, Rotn Yusuf Alli, who described Dickson as a leadership role model, said he was invited to “share his experience with us, and to tell us a grass to grace story.
“We are just laying the foundation to encourage our members not to lose hope, that it is not over yet. People are going through a lot in this country, and we need inspiration, motivation, and encouragement, and it is leaders like him that can motivate people,’’ he said.
