Dickson: It’s tough to serve with honesty in Nigeria’s public sector
Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP – Bayelsa West) said it is difficult to serve with honesty in Nigeria’s public sector, citing a hostile environment characterised by propaganda, blackmail and misrepresentation. Dickson,
Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP - Bayelsa West) said it is difficult to serve with honesty in Nigeria’s public sector, citing a hostile environment characterised by propaganda, blackmail and misrepresentation.
Dickson, who has spent about two decades in public service at both state and federal levels, made the remarks on Monday in Abuja while responding to a Transparency in Leadership Award conferred on him by the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness at the National Assembly.
Recounting his journey in governance, the former Bayelsa State governor said he relied on a personal creed of service to humanity and to God to navigate what he described as an unfavourable public service climate.
“It is not easy in this country to serve with honesty within the public realm. In a society where everyone is often painted with the same brush, it is a tough environment to serve in a society filled with propaganda, blackmail and misrepresentation,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Dickson said he maintained his integrity by standing with the masses and upholding the principles of transparency and accountability throughout his years in office.
“Despite all that, I can say from my own experience that there are honest Nigerian public officers. There are hardworking and patriotic Nigerians. They may be few, but they exist,” he added.
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The lawmaker urged civil society organisations to identify and recognise honest and dedicated Nigerians across various sectors, stressing that integrity and patriotism are not absent in the country.
“I urge you to recognise and appreciate such people. They are present in all walks of life. If you look closely, even in institutions that are often criticised, including the judiciary, you will find honest, hardworking judges, magistrates and justices,” he said.
He also defended the police institution, noting that although it is heavily criticised, there are many dedicated officers within its ranks.
“The same applies to the police. By the way, I was once a policeman myself. That is why I was firm on law and order as a governor. I worked to restore sanity in my state, flushed out criminals, and addressed not only crime itself but also the root causes of crime and criminality,” Dickson stated.
Dickson served as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Bayelsa State under former President Goodluck Jonathan between 2006 and 2007, represented Sagbama-Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2012, served two terms as governor of Bayelsa State from 2012 to 2020, and has represented Bayelsa West in the Senate since 2020.
