Former Bayelsa State Governor and current Senator for Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of trivialising national security and anti-corruption efforts by turning them into tools for political vendetta.
He alleged that the ruling party has repeatedly prioritised point-scoring over national unity, especially on sensitive matters like corruption trials and the fight against terrorism.
“The APC has shown a consistent pattern of playing politics with issues that directly affect the survival of the nation,” Dickson said, insisting that such practices undermine public trust.
The senator referenced the case of former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ayodele Oke, whose prosecution was withdrawn after years of legal confrontation.
Oke, appointed during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, was accused of corruption under the government of late President Muhammadu Buhari, but later secured a favourable court order.
Dickson explained that he raised the matter again during the Senate’s screening of President Bola Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees.
The nominees included Oke, Kayode Are, and Aminu Dalhatu. He said discussions during the screening reinforced his belief that the past investigation into Oke was influenced by politics instead of evidence.
“Ambassador Oke clarified the controversies around his departure and presented the court order confirming that he had been acquitted.
His case speaks to something bigger, the ongoing trend of selective justice,” Dickson noted.
Moreover, he argued that the APC amplified terrorism concerns for political capital before assuming power but failed to curb insecurity when entrusted with leadership.
The senator said that the insurgency intensified even under a Northern president, despite the party’s earlier claims that the problem was mishandled for ethnic reasons.
Dickson also tackled the administration’s economic policies, especially the recent fuel subsidy removal.
In his view, the ruling party opposed subsidy reduction when outside government but executed a more painful version once in office.
“This policy reversal has left millions struggling under unbearable hardship,” he maintained.
The senator compared Oke’s experience to that of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, saying both were victims of what he termed a politically driven crackdown on opposition figures.
He stressed that while the fight against corruption remains essential, it must not be tainted by bias.
“A credible anti-corruption war must be transparent, consistent, and blind to party differences. Justice loses its meaning when applied selectively,” he added.
Furthermore, Dickson emphasized the importance of handling the intelligence community with discretion, warning that reckless actions could compromise national security.
He explained that intelligence chiefs must be safeguarded whenever they carry out lawful presidential orders.
He confirmed he supported the clearance of Oke at the Senate screening, explaining that the withdrawn charges removed any legal obstacles.
Also, he endorsed Are and Dalhatu, describing them as seasoned professionals capable of representing Nigeria effectively.
The unfolding debate illustrates growing tensions around Nigeria’s justice system and the politicisation of national security structures. As Dickson’s comments continue to draw reactions, the discussion is likely to deepen ahead of future policy and legal battles.