The senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson has withdrawn from a sitting of the Senate Committee on Local Content after realising the meeting was centred on allegations against Timipre Sylva, a former minister of state for petroleum resources.
Sylva was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on November 10 over claims that he diverted $14.8 million belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
In a statement shared on Facebook on Friday, Dickson said he had attended the session under the impression that it would be a general interaction with the board’s executive secretary. However, he opted out when it became clear the hearing focused solely on the petition involving Sylva.
According to him, any proper probe should examine “the management of the fund from inception”, stressing that a narrow focus on one transaction “appeared too selective”, especially since the EFCC was already handling the matter.
“I recused myself because the person affected is a former governor of my state — my predecessor — and I have a policy of not joining to fight or pull down anyone,” he explained.
Dickson added that although he and Sylva have been on opposing sides politically since 2011, he does not believe in politics that seeks to destroy opponents once elections are over.
He said: “I outplan, out-campaign and defeat people during elections, not by contributing to their problems afterwards.
“I am not like some politicians who celebrate the downfall of those they disagree with.”
Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, who chairs the committee, confirmed that Dickson’s decision had been accepted. He said the panel was merely carrying out its oversight function and that issues concerning the NCDMB “cannot be ignored”.
“It is not out of place to request information on matters happening within a board we oversee,” Thomas stated.
