Former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a blatant disregard for the rule of law and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
Reacting to the development, George said, “This is absolute Armageddon—total disrespect for constituted authority. The Constitution has been viciously violated.”
The PDP chieftain accused President Tinubu of using state apparatus to support former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, in destabilising the state. He argued that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was suspended following the emergency declaration, had not been given any valid reason for the drastic action.
“We can’t keep quiet. This is recklessness of the highest order. What did Fubara do? As Commander-in-Chief, Tinubu gave Wike soldiers and security agents to destabilize Rivers State. The governor has no control over security agencies, yet he remained calm. Nobody has explained what he did to warrant this dictatorial emergency rule,” George stated.
Drawing parallels to past political crises in Nigeria, he warned that the situation in Rivers State was a dangerous signal for the future.
“This is exactly how it started in 1962 and 1983. 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 said.
George also questioned the legality of the President’s decision, raising concerns over whether due process was followed.
“Did he get National Assembly approval before his broadcast? What happened in Rivers is the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob. Why didn’t he declare a state of emergency in Lagos when lawmakers were fighting? Why invite Diete-Spiff and Niger Delta leaders last week if he already planned this?” he queried.
Concluding his remarks, George warned against what he sees as a move towards authoritarian rule.
“Is Tinubu now becoming a civilian dictator?” he asked.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked widespread debate, with opposition figures and civil society groups expressing concerns over its implications for Nigeria’s democratic institutions.