"Seriake Dickson Explains His Departure from the Timipre Sylva Investigation Panel"

Table of Contents

1. Reason for Recusal
2. Concerns about Selective Inquiry
3. Political Differences
4. EFCC Actions

Bayelsa West Senator Seriake Dickson has explained why he could not participate in a panel investigating former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

In a statement on his Facebook page, Dickson mentioned that he withdrew from the process upon learning that the Senate Committee on Local Content had convened an investigative hearing regarding allegations of the diversion of $14.8 million by Timipre Sylva.

“Upon discovering that the hearing was specifically called for this purpose, I raised concerns — primarily because there should be no selective inquiry; the entire management of the fund, possibly from its inception, should be examined, rather than just one transaction.

“Although the committee has the authority to determine what to investigate, I believe this approach is overly selective, especially considering that it is widely known that the EFCC has already initiated an investigation and reached a certain stage.

“I felt the Committee should not focus on that specific transaction, even though it has the power to do so,” he stated.

The lawmaker also highlighted their political differences, emphasizing that he cannot be perceived as attacking an opponent.

“I withdrew because the individual involved is a former governor of my state — my predecessor in office, and I adhere to a policy of not engaging in efforts to undermine anyone.

“I am not like other politicians from my region or the typical politicians in Nigeria who revel in the misfortunes of their opponents and those they disagree with.

“The individual in question and I have been on opposing sides, leading different factions in various political contests in my state since 2011 to the present.

“While we do not interact or share any common political agenda, and we have not belonged to the same party since 2011, I do not engage in politics that involves undermining others or contributing to their challenges,” he added.

It is worth noting that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Sylva wanted on November 10 due to an alleged case of conspiracy and the dishonest conversion of $14.8 million belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The EFCC urged the public to assist law enforcement efforts by providing credible information that could lead to Sylva’s arrest.

DAILY POST reports that Sylva was also Dickson's predecessor as governor of Bayelsa State.