LAGOS — Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s democratic stability, citing the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the treatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
George, speaking in Lagos, warned that these developments mirror past events that led to the collapse of the First and Second Republics. He also criticized the current presidential system, stating that it is worse than military rule in some aspects.
Controversy Over State of Emergency in Rivers
Bode George described the process used to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers as unconstitutional. He condemned the voice vote used by the National Assembly, arguing that the law requires a two-thirds majority for such a decision.
“In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers were suspended, and the National Assembly, without the required two-thirds majority, rubber-stamped this unconstitutional action through a mere voice vote,” he said.
Senator Natasha’s Case Sparks Outrage
George also criticized the handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Akpabio. He called it an embarrassment to Nigeria’s democratic institutions, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state machinery to silence opposition voices.
“Instead of setting up an independent investigation, she was suspended, and now, there’s an attempt to recall her from the Senate. This is a clear case of political persecution. The world is watching, and Nigeria is once again in the spotlight for the wrong reasons,” he stated.
He further questioned the credibility of the recall process, alleging that APC members are manipulating the system.
“How will INEC verify all these signatures? Some people just walked into their office with bags of papers, and suddenly, it became an official document. This is nonsense!” he added.
Threats to 2027 Elections and National Stability
Bode George also linked these issues to broader concerns about Nigeria’s future, especially ahead of the 2027 elections. He warned that if the current trend continues, democracy in Nigeria could be in jeopardy.
“This presidential system we are practicing now is worse than a military regime. If we allow these undemocratic actions to persist, we may be heading for a serious crisis in 2027,” he cautioned.
He further criticized the double standards in handling political crises, particularly in Bayelsa and Kogi states, where he accused APC of inciting tension while suppressing opposition figures like Senator Natasha.
“With what is happening in Rivers and Kogi, why should Nyesom Wike be allowed to stage a rally in Bayelsa, knowing it could heat up the political atmosphere? The Federal Government seems to be encouraging lawlessness instead of promoting peace,” he argued.
Conclusion: A Call for Democratic Reforms
Bode George urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and demand accountability from the government. He called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s democratic process to prevent further erosion of constitutional governance.
“The operators of our democracy—especially the Executive and Legislature—are losing their sense of responsibility. Nigerians must rise and defend democracy before it is too late,” he concluded.
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