Bode George

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has raised alarm over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the recent political developments in Rivers State and the treatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan could spell the collapse of the country’s Fourth Republic.

Speaking in Lagos on Monday, George criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of orchestrating actions reminiscent of those that led to the fall of Nigeria’s First and Second Republics. He described the current presidential system as worse than military rule, citing alleged abuse of constitutional processes and suppression of dissent.

George condemned the National Assembly’s endorsement of a state of emergency in Rivers State via a voice vote, describing it as unconstitutional and lacking the mandatory two-thirds majority required by law. He further expressed outrage over the political handling of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, noting that her subsequent suspension and the efforts to recall her from the Senate were politically motivated and shameful.

“In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers were suspended, and the National Assembly, without the required two-thirds, rubber-stamped this unconstitutional act through a voice vote,” George said. “Similarly, the Senate’s partisan handling of Senator Natasha’s allegations against Akpabio is an embarrassment to the country.”

He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state machinery to persecute Natasha, questioning why an independent panel wasn’t set up to investigate her claims. “Instead of investigating the matter, she was suspended. Now, there is a stage-managed attempt to recall her. What kind of democracy is this?” he asked.

George praised senators such as Aminu Tambuwal, Seriake Dickson, and Enyinnaya Abaribe for opposing what he described as illegalities in the Senate. He also slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for allegedly accepting questionable documents in support of Natasha’s recall, calling it a manipulation of due process.

Referring to Natasha’s defiant return to Kogi State in a helicopter amid government resistance, George said the overwhelming reception she received showed the disconnect between the government’s actions and public sentiment.

He further criticised the Federal Government’s alleged tolerance of politically provocative actions, including the planned visit of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to Bayelsa State, despite rising political tensions in neighbouring Rivers State.

“This presidential system is now worse than military rule,” George said. “What we’re seeing now is a dangerous trend that threatens the very foundation of our democracy. If this continues unchecked, 2027 may come with a crisis of legitimacy and instability.”

George concluded by urging President Tinubu to uphold democratic principles and ensure justice and fairness in addressing ongoing political crises across the country.