Former Bayelsa State Governor and current senator, Seriake Dickson, has lauded the late President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to democratic values and decision not to manipulate the judiciary for political gain during his tenure.
AFRIPOST reports that Buhari passed away at the age of 82 on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital following a prolonged illness.
Dickson, while reflecting on his experiences with the former president, took to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account to share insights into Buhari’s approach to leadership.
“Buhari didn’t discriminate between APC and PDP states; he did it for all. I spoke of how, in the 2015 general election, which, to my knowledge, remains the toughest governorship election in this country,” Dickson wrote.
“Buhari directed all security agencies and INEC to be fair. It was reassuring. He told me when he gave that directive, even though they didn’t comply on the ground, it was reassuring that the President understood the need for fairness and respect for the rights of the people.”
“In 2020, when my tenure was up and my successor’s election was imminent, President Buhari also called for fairness.
“Even when the elections were leaked and results were written and announced, with his advanced team already in Bayelsa less than 24 hours to handing over, President Buhari never called the judiciary of Nigeria to influence their decision. He allowed the law to take its course,” the ex-Bayelsa governor said.
Dickson also recounted a light-hearted exchange between Buhari and Governor Douye Diri following the court’s verdict.
“Later, when he saw Governor Diri, he merely cracked a joke that myself and the governor had better control of the judiciary, and then, he laughed,” Dickson said.
“I myself disagreed with Buhari’s politics and policies. I mobilised all South-South governors and led them to oppose the injustice meted out to Justice Onnoghen when he was sacked in the way and manner it was done. President Buhari never fought me for that or for the other governors’ involvement,” he said.