By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Elder statesman and former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, delivered a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the political situation in Rivers State, describing the ongoing developments as a “slide into dictatorship” and “executive brigandage.”
He spoke in Lagos on Monday during a press conference addressed by the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the state.
Chief George expressed grave concern over what he called the unconstitutional suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, following the March 18 declaration of a state of emergency by the President. He condemned the Federal Government’s subsequent appointment of an unelected Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), to oversee the state.
“There was no breakdown of law and order in Rivers State to warrant an emergency declaration,” George asserted. “Not even a chicken was killed. This was clearly politically motivated.”
He further criticized Tinubu’s request to the National Assembly to ratify appointments to key state institutions under the emergency rule, including the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission and civil service bodies. George said these moves represent an “unprecedented disregard for democratic norms” and a direct assault on the Constitution.
He said: “It is noteworthy, that prior to and subsequent to the emergency declaration, Rivers State witnessed no significant incidents of violence, not even a ‘chicken’ was killed in the state. Nevertheless, a group entangled in this manufactured man-made crisis shamelessly praised President Tinubu’s decision, revealing that the motivations behind the declaration were politically motivated—a deeply troubling reality that cannot be overlooked.
“Currently, there appears to be an effort to legitimize this illegality. Last week, President Tinubu formally sought the National Assembly’s approval for key appointments in Rivers State as part of the measures instituted under the state of emergency.
“In a letter presented and read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session, the President requested confirmation for the appointment of a Chairman and six members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). These nominees were proposed by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the Sole Administrator responsible for overseeing the state’s affairs.
“The President underscored the necessity of these appointments to facilitate effective governance during the emergency period and to assist the administrator in managing state functions efficiently.
“The request also includes confirmations for positions within the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Board, the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, and the Rivers State Local Government Civil Service Commission.
“The President’s insistence on these appointments reveal a troubling disregard for democratic principles, this move raises serious concerns about the concentration of power and undermines the very fabric of our democratic institutions, suggesting a calculated effort to bypass accountability and manipulate state functions at a time when the people’s voice should be paramount.”
Comparing the situation to past abuses of executive power, George cited how former President Goodluck Jonathan declared emergency rule in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe in 2013 but allowed the elected governors to remain in office. He highlighted Tinubu’s own past criticism of that decision, using Tinubu’s 2013 statement to question the current administration’s moral standing.
“The same Tinubu who attacked Jonathan in 2013 for not even removing governors has now done something worse. Is this democracy or dictatorship?” George queried.
Referencing Fela Kuti’s 1972 song “Roforofo Fight,” George warned that the crisis in Rivers State could become a flashpoint for broader national instability, likening the current trend to the events that led to the collapse of Nigeria’s First and Second Republics.
“Our democracy is under siege,” he said. “This presidential system is becoming worse than a military regime. The current political actors are toying with the future of Nigeria.”
Calling for national reflection, George ended his address by quoting the Bible (Romans 12:9-21), urging for moral courage, unity, and the restoration of constitutional order.
“The time for tolerating flagrant disregard for our democratic norms must come to an end. Enough is enough,” he declared.
Chieftains of the party who attended the briefing include former deputy governor of Lagos state, Kofoworola Bucknor, among others.