Bode George blasts Tinubu, warns Rivers and Natasha issues threaten Nigeria’s democracy

DDM News

Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), voiced serious concerns about Nigeria’s current political climate.

In a statement issued yesterday in Lagos, George criticized actions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports, he warned that these actions risked undermining Nigeria’s democracy and could lead to the collapse of the Fourth Republic.

George pointed to two major events that he believes threaten the stability of the nation’s democratic system.

The first was the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The second was the handling of allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

George suggested that these developments mirrored events that led to the collapse of Nigeria’s First and Second Republics.

He warned that such actions could lead to the unraveling of the current democratic structure in the country.

“The voice vote used in approving the state of emergency in Rivers was unconstitutional,” George stated.

He pointed out that the necessary two-thirds majority approval from the National Assembly was not obtained.

This, according to George, was a violation of the constitutional process and reflected a disregard for democratic norms.

George condemned the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers in Rivers.

He argued that these actions were not only unconstitutional but also rubber-stamped by a biased National Assembly.

The issue of the state of emergency in Rivers, George said, highlights the troubling trend of unconstitutional decisions.

He also pointed to the lack of any formal debate or legal foundation for the declaration.

“The actions of the APC-led federal government are repeating the mistakes of the First and Second Republics,” George claimed.

He stated that similar political missteps had previously resulted in the collapse of earlier Nigerian republics.

George then shifted his focus to the controversial issue of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Akpabio.

He criticized the partisan handling of the allegations by the Senate, which he described as an embarrassment to the country.

“The global community is now questioning Nigeria’s democratic integrity due to the way Akpoti-Uduaghan is being persecuted,” he said.

George expressed his outrage over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and the attempt to recall her from the Senate.

Instead of investigating her allegations, George noted, the Senate had chosen to silence her.

“This is not democracy,” George said, emphasizing that the use of state machinery to intimidate Akpoti-Uduaghan was unjust.

George condemned the actions of the Senate, arguing that the government’s decision to target Akpoti-Uduaghan was politically motivated.

“Why is the government trying to stop her from going to Kogi State?” George questioned.

He pointed out that, despite these efforts, Akpoti-Uduaghan received an overwhelming welcome in Kogi State.

“The government is embarrassed by the massive support she has from the people,” he noted.

George also expressed his disappointment over what he saw as the erosion of democratic values.

He suggested that the current political environment was more oppressive than military rule.

“This presidential system is worse than military rule,” George argued, claiming that it undermines the principles of democracy.

He warned that if such actions continued, Nigeria could face a future similar to the collapse of past republics.

George also raised concerns about the political situation in Bayelsa State.

He pointed out the contradiction in the federal government’s approach to political activities in different states.

While the Kogi State Police Command had banned rallies and political gatherings because of Natasha’s situation, Bayelsa seemed to be treated differently.

“Why is Nyesom Wike being encouraged to attend rallies in Bayelsa, despite rising tensions?” George questioned.

He described the situation as a double tragedy for the country, with one state facing suppression while another is encouraged to escalate tensions.

George expressed fears that such actions were contributing to growing lawlessness across the nation.

“Can this be interpreted as the federal government encouraging lawlessness nationwide?” he asked, voicing concern over the future.

He suggested that the federal government’s actions were exacerbating political instability in the country.

In conclusion, George’s statement was a sharp critique of President Tinubu’s administration and the ruling APC.

He warned that continued unconstitutional actions could lead to the disintegration of Nigeria’s democracy.

“If we continue on this path, democracy in Nigeria is at risk,” George declared.

He called on Nigerians to be vigilant and to hold the government accountable for its actions.

George’s remarks reflect growing concerns among opposition parties, civil society, and concerned citizens.

There is a widespread fear that Nigeria’s democratic institutions are being weakened, leading to potential authoritarianism.

This alarming trend, according to George, could undermine the country’s stability and development if not addressed.

The call for a more accountable and transparent government resonated strongly throughout his statement.

As the nation faces these challenges, George emphasized the need for unity in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic future.

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