By ABBA -EKU ONYEKA
ABUJA
Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has lamented the challenges of serving with honesty in Nigeria’s public service, describing the environment as “tough” and “filled with propaganda, blackmail, and misrepresentation”.
Dickson, who has accumulated over 20 years of public service at the state and federal levels, made this remark while receiving the Transparency in Leadership Award from the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness at the National Assembly within the week in Abuja.
Recounting his experience, Dickson said he relied on his personal creed of service to man and serving God to navigate the unfavourable public service climate. He emphasized that despite the polluted public space, he had maintained his integrity and stood by the masses, serving with honesty, transparency, and integrity.
The Senator, who served as Governor of Bayelsa State from 2012 to 2020, urged Civil Society Groups to recognize and appreciate honest and dedicated Nigerians across various spheres of life. He stressed that there are hardworking and patriotic Nigerians, including judges, policemen, and public officers, who deserve recognition and awards.
Dickson, a former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General in Bayelsa State, recalled his tenure as a governor, saying he restored sanity in his state, flushed out criminals, and addressed the root causes of crime and criminality. He expressed pride in his service, saying he held his head and shoulder high despite the challenges.
The award recognition comes as a testament to Dickson’s commitment to transparency and good governance, and his call for recognition of honest Nigerians is seen as a bid to promote accountability and inspire others to emulate his example.
