Rivers: Bode George Criticizes Emergency Rule, Warns Against Repeating 1962 Crisis

Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly condemned the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, warning that such actions are unconstitutional and could deepen the country’s political crisis.

President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly for an initial six months. Tinubu also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as the Sole Administrator for the state.

Speaking on Friday during an interview with Arise TV, Chief George expressed grave concern over the suspension of elected officials, pointing out that it was done without due process and could set a dangerous precedent.

“We must be extremely careful. Was there widespread violence in Rivers State that justified such an emergency? No,” George said, drawing a parallel to the 1962 crisis in the Western Region, which he believes was a precursor to Nigeria’s descent into military coups and civil war.

George further compared the current situation to past state of emergency declarations. He cited former President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration of an emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, where despite the violence, no governors or elected officials were removed. He also mentioned the suspension of Governor Joshua Dariye of Plateau State by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, stressing that the context then was different from what is currently happening in Rivers.

Criticizing what he called a rushed and unilateral decision, George stated, “You cannot sign a gazette and then send it to parliament for retroactive approval. That’s not how constitutional democracy works.”

He urged President Tinubu to exercise caution, warning that the current actions were eerily similar to the events of 1962. “What is happening now reminds me too much of 1962,” he said.

On internal party matters, George expressed disappointment in former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. He accused Wike of betraying the PDP, referencing his actions such as revoking the party secretariat’s Certificate of Occupancy. “It’s like seizing your father’s house,” he said.

George also questioned the silence of PDP lawmakers during the National Assembly’s approval of the controversial suspension. “Where were the dissenting voices? Where were the opposition lawmakers? We need to ask serious questions about that,” he added.

In conclusion, George called on Nigerians to stay calm and be prayerful, especially during the ongoing Ramadan and Lent periods, cautioning that continued political recklessness could lead to national instability. “Let us be prayerful, especially in this sacred period,” he said. He also appealed to the people of Rivers State to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that the people would ultimately decide the outcome.