The representative of Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Senator Seriake Dickson, has said that in spite of facing significant challenges in life, his guiding principles have remained unchanged.
Dickson stated this in response to the Transparency in Leadership Award conferred on him by Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness at the National Assembly on Monday.
He said that his principles had remained rooted in a deep commitment to service to humanity and steadfast faith in God.
The former Bayelsa State governor recounted his practical experience in governance in the last 20 years, saying that these values had shaped his decisions and actions in both difficult and defining moments.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dickson had previously served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Bayelsa State under former Governor Goodluck Jonathan between 2006 and 2007.
He was later elected into the House of Representatives, representing Sagbama-Ekeremor Federal Constituency from 2007 to 2012.
Dickson subsequently served as two-term governor of Bayelsa State before joining the Senate in 2020.
The senator noted that transparency and accountability had been central to his leadership approach, underscoring his belief that public trust is earned through honesty and responsible stewardship.
Even in the face of adversity, he maintained that staying true to his moral compass had allowed him to navigate obstacles without compromising his integrity.
Reaffirming his dedication to ethical leadership, he said his focus continued to be on serving others with sincerity and upholding the standards expected of him.
Dickson, therefore, urged the civil society to look in the direction of honest and dedicated Nigerians across spheres of life for similar deserving awards.
He said: “I urge you to recognise and appreciate such people.Â
“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.
“The same applies to the police, which is heavily criticised.Â
“By the way, I was once a policeman myself.
“That is why I was firm on law and order as governor.Â
“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.”
