Bayelsa West Senator, Seriake Dickson has withdrawn from the Senate investigation involving his predecessor, the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.
He said he could not continue on the panel once he realised the hearing was centred solely on the alleged diversion of $14.8 million linked to Sylva.
Dickson explained that when he discovered the session was summoned strictly for that single transaction, he immediately raised objections.
He insisted that if lawmakers must probe the matter, then the entire management of the fund “from inception” should be examined, not just one portion of it.
He added that the committee had every right to decide what to investigate, but he believed the approach was “too selective,” especially since the EFCC had already taken steps on the same allegation and reached an advanced stage in its own findings.
Beyond the procedural issues, Dickson pointed to political sensitivity.
He said he could not be seen attacking a political opponent from his own state, stressing that Sylva was his predecessor as governor of Bayelsa State.
According to him, he does not engage in politics that seeks to destroy opponents or exploit their challenges for personal advantage.
The former Bayelsa State Governor noted that although both men have been on opposing political fronts since 2011, he maintains a personal policy not to join any effort that appears to target or embarrass anyone, even rivals.
He added that he does not celebrate the downfall of political adversaries, unlike what is common in the political scene.
Dickson emphasised that he chose to step aside to maintain fairness and avoid any appearance of bias, given their long-standing political differences.
Meanwhile, the EFCC had earlier declared Timipre Sylva wanted over an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14.8 million belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
The agency urged the public to assist with credible information that could lead to his arrest.