Seriake Dickson: How Bayelsa’s Education Reformer Became One of Nigeria’s Most Influential Senators

Culture Oct 17, 2025 0 3 Add to Reading List

Born 28 January 1966 in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson has served as a lawyer, a Representative, a Governor, and is currently the Senator for Bayelsa West, known for transforming education and defending democratic norms.

Who Is Henry Seriake Dickson

Senator Henry Seriake Dickson is a Nigerian politician and lawyer under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), currently representing Bayelsa West in the Senate.

He is widely known for his eight years as Governor of Bayelsa State (2012-2020) and more recently for his vocal opposition to unconstitutional emergency powers and his efforts to promote human capital development in the Niger Delta.

Henry Seriake Dickson’s Profile Summary

Full Name	Henry Seriake Dickson CON
Date of Birth / Age	28 January 1966 / 59 years as of 2025
State of Origin	Bayelsa State
Local Government Area	Sagbama (Toru-Orua) LGA
Tribe / Ethnicity	Ijaw; also, maternal connections to Ijebu heritage
Religion	Christian (publicly involved in church and Christian activities)
Marital Status	Married (Dr Rachael Dickson), plus children, including quadruplets
Political Party	People's Democratic Party (PDP)
Current Position	Senator for Bayelsa West (since December 2020; re-elected 2023)
Years Active in Politics	From at least the early 2000s, held roles: Attorney-General, House of Representatives, Governor, and now Senator
Net Worth (Estimated)	$133 million

His Early Life and Education

Born on January 28, 1966, in Toru-Orua in Sagbama LGA, Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson grew up in a humble but influential local family (Nanaye Dickson of Orua), with roots in Ijaw culture.

He has encouraged education in his family, including supporting his younger brother to obtain a PhD.

He began his education at Kolobiriowei Primary School and later earned his West African School Certificate (WASC) from Government Secondary School, Toru-Ebeni.

Driven by a passion for justice, Dickson studied Law at Rivers State University of Science and Technology, graduating in 1992, and was called to the Nigerian Bar the following year.

His Career Before Politics

After law school, Dickson joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1994 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent.

He left the force to practise law. Worked with SERENA DAVID DOKUBO & CO (1994-1995), then ALUKO & OYEBODE (1995-1996).

Later founded his own law firm, Seriake Dickson & Co., operating from Port Harcourt and Yenagoa.

Henry Seriake Dickson’s Political Career

His Entry into Politics

His political involvement began when he held legal and advisory roles; he became Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice of Bayelsa State (2006-2007).

In 2007, he was elected to the House of Representatives for Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, serving until 2012.

His Major Political Roles

Governor of Bayelsa State: Elected Governor in February 2012, re-elected in 2015; served until February 2020.
During his governorship, he implemented free and compulsory primary and secondary education; built model boarding secondary schools; upgraded tertiary institutions; established the Education Development Trust Fund; improved teacher training, etc.
Senator for Bayelsa West: Won a bye-election in December 2020, replacing Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. He was re-elected in February 2023.
Committee Roles & Key Political Stances: He has been chair of the Senate Committee on Ecology / Climate Change. He has taken strong stands, e.g., walking out of the Senate before a vote approving the Rivers State emergency rule, and filed constitutional objections.

His Achievements and Impact

In Bayelsa, education has been transformed: free tuition, boarding school provision, scholarships, and higher ranking in national exams.
Infrastructure, health, roads, teachers’ welfare and rural access improved during his governorship.
As a Senator, he has been a voice for constitutionalism and democracy. Notably opposed to what he describes as an unconstitutional emergency rule in Rivers State.

Henry Seriake Dickson’s Personal Life

He is married to Dr Rachael Dickson (often referred to as First Lady). They have children, including a set of quadruplets (one boy, three girls) born in the United States.

His brother Moses Oruaze Dickson recently became the first PhD degree holder in the family.