Propaganda, Blackmail Make Honest Service Difficult, Says Dickson

Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) has said that propaganda, blackmail, and misrepresentation make it difficult for public officials to serve honestly in Nigeria.

Dickson made the assertion on Monday in Abuja while responding to a Transparency in Leadership Award conferred on him by the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness at the National Assembly.

The lawmaker, who has spent nearly two decades in public service at both state and federal levels, described Nigeria’s public space as challenging and often unfair to sincere leaders.

“It is not easy in this country to serve with honesty within the public realm, in a society where everyone is often painted with the same brush. It is a tough environment to serve in a society filled with propaganda, blackmail, and misrepresentation,” he said.

Dickson previously served as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General in Bayelsa State under former Governor Goodluck Jonathan between 2006 and 2007.

He was later elected to the House of Representatives to represent Sagbama–Ekeremor Federal Constituency from 2007 to 2012 before becoming governor of Bayelsa State, a position he held for eight years. In 2020, he was elected to the Senate to represent Bayelsa West.

Despite what he termed a “polluted public space,” the senator said he has remained committed to transparency and accountability, guided by his belief in serving humanity and God.

“But despite all that, I can say from my own experience that there are honest Nigerian public officers. There are hardworking and patriotic Nigerians. They may be few, but they exist,” he stated.

Dickson urged civil society organisations to recognise and honour upright individuals across different sectors, including institutions frequently criticised by the public.

“If you look closely, even in institutions that are often criticised, including the judiciary, you will find honest, hardworking judges, magistrates and justices,” he added.

He also observed that similar examples exist within the police, noting that his prior experience as a police officer influenced his firm stance on law and order during his tenure as governor.

According to him, addressing crime requires not only enforcement but also tackling the underlying causes of criminality, adding that his administration worked to restore order and stability in Bayelsa State.