Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West,
has provided reasons for stepping aside from the Senate committee investigating
former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, over an alleged $14.8
million fund diversion.
In a post on his official Meta account on Saturday,
Dickson stated that he recused himself because the investigation appeared
“selective” and not a comprehensive review of the management of the fund. He
emphasized that the committee’s focus on a single transaction, rather than the
entirety of the fund’s management from inception, did not align with his
expectations of a fair inquiry.
Dickson explained that Sylva is his predecessor as
governor of Bayelsa State, and he has a policy of not engaging in politics
aimed at pulling down others. “I have always limited political contest to
campaigns during elections, where I outplan, out-campaign, strategize, and
defeat opponents on the ground and through legal processes, but never by trying
to bring anyone down after elections,” he said.
He further stressed that despite political differences
with Sylva since 2011, he has extended support and encouragement to all
federal-level politicians from his state, maintaining that fairness and service
to the people guide his actions. “Everyone is important. If you cannot help
someone, leave the person alone, and don’t destroy them,” Dickson added.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
declared Sylva wanted on November 10 for alleged conspiracy and dishonest
conversion of $14.8 million belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and
Monitoring Board (NCDMB). Responding to the allegations, Sylva’s Special
Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, described the EFCC action
as a “coordinated political onslaught” aimed at tarnishing the former
minister’s reputation.
Dickson concluded by reiterating that while he recused
himself, he respects the committee’s authority to continue its investigative
hearing.
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