Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has explained his decision to recuse himself 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, Dickson stated that he left the committee due to the investigation being “selective” and not comprehensive.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had declared Sylva wanted on November 10 over allegations of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14.8 million belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). Dickson attended the meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Content, expecting an interactive forum with the Executive Secretary and his team. However, upon discovering that the hearing was specifically summoned to investigate the allegations against Sylva, he raised objections.

Dickson’s primary concern was that the investigation should not be selective, and the entirety of the management of the fund should be investigated, not just one transaction. He also noted that the EFCC had already taken steps, implying that they had investigated and reached a certain level. As a former governor of Bayelsa State and Sylva’s predecessor, Dickson recused himself due to their political history and his policy of not contributing to the downfall of others.

Dickson emphasized that he practices politics that involves building, raising, and developing, rather than destroying or pulling people down. He stated that he has extended support and encouragement to all who operate at the federal level, despite political or partisan differences. The Senate committee has the power to decide what to investigate, and Dickson acknowledged their authority while explaining his position.

In response to the allegations, Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, described the EFCC’s declaration as a “coordinated political onslaught” aimed at tarnishing Sylva’s reputation. The investigation is ongoing, and the public will be watching the developments closely. The EFCC’s actions and the Senate committee’s investigation highlight the ongoing efforts to address corruption and ensure accountability in Nigeria’s public sector.