Dickson Henry Seriake

Henry Seriake Dickson CON was born on 28 January 1966 in Toru-Orua Town of Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

He attended Kolobiriowei Primary School from 1972 to 1978 and later Government Secondary School, Toru-Ebeni (1978–1983), where he obtained his WASSCE/GCE qualification. After school, he enrolled at Rivers State University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt to study law, earning an LL.B in 1992.

In 1993, Dickson completed his Bachelor of Laws from the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar shortly after. He briefly served in the Nigeria Police Force (1986–1994) before resigning to practice law full-time.

As a lawyer, he worked with prominent firms like Serena David Dokubo & CO (1994–1995) and Aluko & Oyebode (1995–1996). He later founded Seriake Dickson & CO in Port Harcourt and Yenagoa, serving as its managing solicitor until 2006.

Dickson began his political career with the Alliance for Democracy (AD), becoming Bayelsa State chapter chairman from 1998 to 2000. He later served as national legal adviser of AD (2000–2002). After transitioning to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he won Bayelsa State gubernatorial elections in 2012 and 2015, holding office from February 2012 until his resignation on 14 February 2020.

Following his tenure as governor, Dickson was elected to the Nigerian Senate for Bayelsa West senatorial district. He won a bye-election in December 2020 and re-elected in 2023, serving since then in the 10th National Assembly.

His legislative career includes appointments as House of Representatives chairman (Justice Committee) and member of committees on Defence, Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, and Special Duties. He sponsored key bills such as amendments to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act and Prevention of Terrorism Bill during his time in the House.

In 2023, he was conferred with Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by former President Buhari and awarded the Excellence in Environmental Leadership Award. He also established institutions like the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission to address environmental challenges.

During his eight years as governor, Dickson implemented major reforms: free compulsory education, healthcare expansions, economic diversification (e.g., microfinance bank, cassava/poultry projects), and infrastructure projects like bridges and roads. His administration introduced the Bayelsa State Health Insurance Scheme and reduced maternal/infant mortality rates.

He championed women and youth empowerment, created scholarship programs (Ijaw National Academy), and built religious and educational institutions such as the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, and Bayelsa Medical University. Dickson’s legacy includes cultural initiatives like a state flag, coat of arms, anthem, and Thanksgiving Law.

A Christian by faith, his governance was marked by devotional services and religious support for communities. He also addressed security concerns with Operation Doo-Akpo and strengthened law enforcement in Bayelsa.