Rivers: Bode George Faults Emergency Rule, Warns Against Repeat Of 1962 Crisis

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George has strongly condemned the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, warning that such actions are unconstitutional and could plunge the nation into a deeper political crisis.

LEADERSHIP reports that President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and members of the State House of Assembly for initial six months.

The president subsequently appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as the Sole Administrator for the state.

Speaking during an interview with Arise TV on Friday, Chief George expressed concern over Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials without recourse to due process.

“We have to be extremely careful. Was there widespread violence in Rivers State to warrant such an emergency? No,” George stated, recalling that the situation mirrors the 1962 Western Region crisis, which ultimately contributed to Nigeria’s descent into military coups and civil war.

Expanding on his remarks, he referenced past interventions by previous administrations. “When former President Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, no governor or elected official was removed despite the violence in those states,” he said.

He also noted that when former President Olusegun Obasanjo suspended Governor Joshua Dariye of Plateau State, it was under a different context, stressing that the current situation in Rivers State did not merit similar actions.

George criticised what he termed a hasty and unilateral decision. “You cannot sign a gazette and then send it to parliament for retroactive approval. That is not how constitutional democracy works,” he said.

He urged President Tinubu to exercise restraint, warning that history is dangerously repeating itself. “What is happening now reminds me too much of 1962.”

Addressing internal party issues, George lamented the actions of former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom he accused of betraying the PDP.

“He has crossed the red line. Revoking the party secretariat’s Certificate of Occupancy is like seizing your father’s house,” he said, expressing disappointment over Wike’s collaboration with the All Progressives Congress-led government.

He 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 queried.

George called on Nigerians to remain calm and prayerful, warning that further political recklessness could ignite national instability. “Let us be prayerful, especially in this sacred period of Ramadan and Lent,” he added.

He appealed to the people of Rivers State to remain peaceful and law-abiding. “Do not give in to provocation. The people will ultimately decide,” he said.