In Lagos, Chief Bode George, the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed concerns that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio could threaten the stability of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He noted that similar situations had previously led to the downfall of Nigeria’s First and Second Republics, claiming that the current presidential system is worse than military rule.
In Lagos, Chief Bode George criticized the constitutional validity of the voice vote used to approve President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in Rivers State, calling the attempt to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan “shameful.” He warned that the actions of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government mirror the events that led to the collapse of Nigeria’s First and Second Republics. George highlighted incidents like the removal of security from an elected speaker in Lagos and the suspension of Rivers State lawmakers without proper legislative procedure, calling these actions unconstitutional.
He condemned the way the Senate has handled Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stating it has embarrassed the nation. He lamented that Nigeria is facing international scrutiny for negative reasons, arguing that while democracy itself is not dying, the key political actors are failing in their duties, which he views as a significant shame.
Chief Bode George condemned the global embarrassment Nigeria faces due to the alleged persecution of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been suspended instead of having her claims investigated by an independent body. He criticized the attempts to recall her using state machinery, questioning the integrity of such actions and the meaning of democracy in the country. George expressed frustration over the focus on Akpoti-Uduaghan amid widespread issues like insecurity and poverty, emphasizing her significance within the party and vowing to oppose any humiliation against her.
He further pointed out that a proper declaration of a state of emergency requires a two-thirds approval from the National Assembly—specifically 74 Senators and 240 Representatives—rather than a voice vote, which he deemed illegitimate. He praised Senators like Tambuwal, Dickson, and Abaribe for opposing this “illegality.” George ultimately accused the APC and Senate of orchestrating the recall attempt against Akpoti-Uduaghan, denouncing the manipulation of signatures submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as “nonsense” that will not hold up.
Chief Bode George remarked on the government’s failed attempts to prevent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from visiting Kogi State, highlighting her successful entrance via helicopter and the overwhelming crowd that welcomed her, which he said embarrassed the government. He criticized the current presidential system, claiming it is worse than military rule and threatens democracy as the 2027 elections approach.
George also expressed concern over the situation in Bayelsa State, where FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is reported to be attending a rally despite state authorities advising him against it. He noted the contradiction in the government’s actions, as the Kogi State Police Command banned rallies due to Natasha, while Wike is encouraged to create tensions in Bayelsa. He argued that such behavior indicates the Federal Government is promoting lawlessness throughout the country, which he views as politically nonsensical and dangerous.