Former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a clear violation of the Constitution and an abuse of power. His criticism follows the President’s move to place the state under emergency rule, citing political unrest and security issues.
In a fiery reaction to the announcement, Chief Bode George expressed his outrage, describing the declaration as a “blatant disregard for constituted authority” and a “reckless” move. According to George, Tinubu’s actions represent a serious violation of the 1999 Constitution, a document that guarantees the rights of the people and defines the processes through which political power can be exercised in the country.
“This is absolute Armageddon—total disrespect for constituted authority. The Constitution has been viciously violated,” George said, stressing that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic fabric. He added that Tinubu’s declaration was a move of “recklessness of the highest order,” with no clear explanation for why Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was targeted.
One of George’s key concerns was the role of security agencies in the political crisis in Rivers State. He accused President Tinubu of handing over security control to former Governor Nyesom Wike, which he believes destabilized the state. According to George, Fubara, the current governor, had no control over the security agencies, yet he remained calm in the face of intense pressure. George questioned the justification behind Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule, asking, “What did Fubara do to warrant this dictatorial emergency rule?”
George’s remarks point to a larger issue surrounding the control of security forces. Many critics have raised concerns that the use of security agencies to influence state politics undermines the autonomy of state governments and threatens democratic governance. In Rivers, as in other states, governors are meant to have control over security within their jurisdiction, but that control has often been undermined, especially during political tensions.
George drew parallels between the current situation in Rivers and previous political crises in Nigeria, specifically referencing the events of 1962 and 1983. He warned that the actions of President Tinubu might be setting the stage for further erosion of democratic structures in the future, including in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
“This is exactly how it started in 1962 and 1983,” George remarked, comparing the unfolding crisis in Rivers to earlier episodes of political instability in the country. “It’s a dress rehearsal for what Tinubu wants to do in 2027. The APC wants to take control of all states through unconstitutional means,” he added.
In 1962 and 1983, Nigeria experienced significant political crises that led to the suspension of democratic processes and, in the case of 1983, a military coup. George’s comparison highlights concerns that Tinubu’s emergency rule could be a precursor to an extended authoritarian grip on power, setting a troubling precedent for future political events.
At the heart of George’s condemnation was his assertion that Tinubu’s actions were not only reckless but possibly illegal. He questioned whether the President had followed the proper constitutional procedures before declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. Under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the President must consult the National Assembly before making such a declaration, and the emergency rule must be approved by the legislature for it to remain valid.
“Did he get National Assembly approval before his broadcast?” George asked, suggesting that the declaration was made prematurely and without the necessary constitutional processes. He expressed concerns that the emergency declaration in Rivers was made without regard for the constitutional requirements that ensure checks and balances in governance.
George also raised the issue of selective application of emergency measures, particularly questioning why President Tinubu had not declared a state of emergency in Lagos, where lawmakers had been involved in their own political confrontations. He pointed out that Tinubu had recently invited prominent leaders from the Niger Delta, including former military governor Diete-Spiff, to discuss issues in the region. Yet, just days later, the state of emergency in Rivers was declared, suggesting a contradiction in the President’s actions.
“Why didn’t he declare a state of emergency in Lagos when lawmakers were fighting?” George queried, arguing that the crisis in Rivers was not uniquely severe compared to other instances of political instability across the country. His comment underscores the perception that the state of emergency in Rivers could be politically motivated, aimed at controlling the state after a series of clashes between the state legislature and executive.
Chief Bode George’s comments are a stark warning to the nation about the direction of its political future. He has raised alarms over the potential for Nigeria to slide into a form of “civilian dictatorship,” where the will of the people is overridden by the actions of the executive. The imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers, George argued, represents an escalation of authoritarian tactics and a dangerous step toward undermining the country’s democracy.
“Is Tinubu now becoming a civilian dictator?” George asked pointedly, highlighting the growing fear among critics that the President’s actions could signal a broader attempt to centralize power and undermine the rights of elected officials and voters across the country.
The PDP, as a party, has strongly opposed the state of emergency in Rivers State. The party views the President’s move as an attack on the democratic rights of the people of Rivers, whose votes and choice of governor were disregarded through the imposition of emergency rule. The PDP has repeatedly stressed the importance of respecting constitutional processes and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The party’s opposition to the state of emergency reflects a broader concern about the erosion of democratic norms under the current administration. The PDP argues that such measures are not only unconstitutional but also politically motivated, aimed at disrupting the democratic order in Rivers State and beyond.
As the situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, all eyes will be on the National Assembly, which must approve or reject the state of emergency declaration. The House of Representatives and the Senate will debate the matter in the coming days, and the outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for Nigeria’s democratic future.
For now, the people of Rivers State and the country at large are left to watch how the legal and political battles surrounding the emergency rule will unfold. Will the democratic will of the people be respected, or will the current administration continue to push the boundaries of constitutional governance?
Chief Bode George’s condemnation of President Tinubu’s actions is just the latest in a growing list of voices calling for respect for Nigeria’s Constitution and the preservation of democratic processes. As the country moves forward, the actions of its leaders will be scrutinized closely, with the hope that Nigeria’s democracy remains strong and intact for future generations.
