By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) — Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, on Monday declared that serving with honesty in Nigeria’s public sector remains a difficult task due to what he described as a climate of propaganda, blackmail and misrepresentation.
Dickson made the remarks in Abuja while receiving a Transparency in Leadership Award from the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness at the National Assembly.
Reflecting on nearly two decades in public service at both state and federal levels, the former Bayelsa governor said maintaining integrity in Nigeria’s public sphere requires resilience and a strong personal conviction.
“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,” he said. “It is a tough environment to serve in a society filled with propaganda, blackmail and misrepresentation.”
Dickson began his public service career as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Bayelsa State under then-Governor Goodluck Jonathan between 2006 and 2007. He was later elected to represent the Sagbama–Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2012 before emerging as Governor of Bayelsa State, a position he held for eight years. In 2020, he was elected to the Senate to represent Bayelsa West.
Despite what he described as a “polluted public space,” Dickson said he remained guided by his personal creed of service to humanity and service to God, insisting that honest public officers still exist in the country.
“From my own experience, there are honest Nigerian public officers. There are hardworking and patriotic Nigerians. They may be few, but they exist,” he stated.
He urged civil society organizations to continue identifying and honoring individuals who demonstrate integrity across various sectors, including institutions that often face public criticism.
“If you look closely, even in institutions that are often criticized, including the judiciary, you will find honest, hardworking judges, magistrates and justices,” he said. “The same applies to the police, which is heavily criticized.”
Dickson, who disclosed that he once served as a police officer, said his background influenced his firm stance on law and order during his tenure as governor. He noted that his administration worked to restore order in Bayelsa State by tackling criminal activities and addressing their root causes.
The senator called for sustained recognition of dedicated Nigerians across all walks of life, stressing that integrity and patriotism remain vital to national development.
