Why I left panel investigating Timipre Sylva – Seriake Dickson

Why Seriake Dickson Withdrew from the Panel Investigating Timipre Sylva

Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has explained that he recused himself from the Senate Committee on Local Content’s investigation into former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, because he believed the inquiry was selective and lacked fairness.  

The controversy centers on allegations of diversion of $14.8 million belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). 

On November 10, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Sylva wanted over alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of the funds.

Shortly after, the Senate Committee on Local Content convened an investigative hearing specifically targeting Sylva.  

Dickson, who is Sylva’s predecessor as governor of Bayelsa State, revealed in a statement on his official Facebook page that he had initially attended the committee session under the impression that it was an interactive forum with the executive secretary of the NCDMB and his team. However, upon realizing that the hearing was narrowly focused on Sylva alone, he raised objections. He argued that if the Senate was to conduct an inquiry, it should examine the entire management of the fund from inception, not just one transaction involving a single individual.  

According to Dickson, the selective nature of the investigation was problematic for two reasons. First, he believed that such an approach could be seen as politically motivated or unfair, especially given his personal history with Sylva. Second, he emphasized that the EFCC had already taken steps in the matter, meaning the Senate’s inquiry risked duplicating efforts or undermining ongoing investigations. He stated that the committee “need not investigate what the EFCC has already investigated and reached a certain level on.”  

In his words, Dickson stressed that he does not “pull down opponents” and that his decision to withdraw was guided by principles of fairness and transparency. He maintained that any probe should be comprehensive, covering the broader management of the NCDMB’s funds, rather than singling out Sylva.  

This move has sparked discussions about the balance between legislative oversight and ongoing anti-corruption investigations. 

While some view Dickson’s withdrawal as a principled stand against selective justice, others interpret it as a cautious step to avoid political entanglements, given his past rivalry with Sylva in Bayelsa politics.  

Ultimately, Dickson’s withdrawal highlights the tension between Nigeria’s legislative committees and anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC. It raises questions about whether parliamentary inquiries should complement or defer to investigations already being handled by statutory bodies. His stance underscores the importance of comprehensive accountability mechanisms that avoid the perception of targeting individuals selectively, especially in politically sensitive cases.