Former Bayelsa State Governor and serving Senator, Seriake Dickson, has declared support for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial comments regarding ongoing violence and mass killings in Nigeria. Dickson described Trump’s stance as “a wake-up call” for Nigeria to intensify efforts against terrorism while upholding the country’s sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Thursday titled “Alleged Genocide: My Stance On President Trump’s Statement,” Dickson stressed that although Nigeria’s territorial integrity must never be compromised, the fight against terrorism cannot be won without international cooperation.
> “Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national institutions must be respected by all. At the same time, I fully support any collaborative action aimed at eradicating the murderous bands of terrorists who have slaughtered thousands of our countrymen and women — Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths alike,” he said.
The senator, who represents Bayelsa West, recalled that groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, ISIS, and al-Qaeda have plagued Nigeria for close to 15 years, introducing suicide bombings and unleashing widespread destruction, particularly in the Northeast.
He lamented that both Christian and Muslim communities, as well as traditional institutions, have suffered grievous losses. Schools have been attacked, students kidnapped or killed, while several victims, including Leah Sharibu and some Chibok girls, remain missing.
Dickson further noted that terrorists still control territories in parts of Borno, Zamfara, and Katsina, imposing levies on residents in defiance of the Nigerian state.
> “This is a direct affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty and should not be tolerated any further. President Trump’s statement is a wake-up call to action,” he emphasized.
According to Dickson, the Senate has repeatedly drawn attention to the rising insecurity and recently suggested a National Security Summit. Lawmakers also recommended engaging U.S. authorities through a proposed high-level delegation to Washington, D.C.
He also criticized past policy decisions under former President Muhammadu Buhari, arguing that the appointment of mainly Muslim heads of security agencies worsened distrust among citizens and fueled perceptions of bias.
Dickson appealed to President Bola Tinubu to work closely with international allies, including the U.S., to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace. He also urged the Federal Government to speed up ambassadorial appointments to improve Nigeria’s diplomatic influence.
> “We need help. No nation can confront terrorism in isolation,” he said, concluding with a plea: “May God help Nigeria.”
His remarks come amid ongoing debate over Trump’s warning and claims of potential U.S. intervention in Nigeria, which have elicited mixed reactions nationwide.
