Chief Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu over the planned local government elections in Rivers State. George accused the presidency of trying to “legitimize illegality” in the oil-rich region.
According to The Nation, George made these comments during a press briefing at his office in Ikoyi, Lagos, warning that the President’s recent decisions could put Nigeria’s democracy at serious risk.
The situation in Rivers State has been tense since the declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025. This action led to the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and the entire State House of Assembly. President Tinubu then appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) as Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
President Tinubu has also asked the National Assembly to approve key appointments, including a Chairman and six members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). George argued these appointments are unconstitutional since they come from an administrator who was not elected by the people.
“The moment you take the mandate of the people away, it is no longer democracy. That is exactly what is happening in Rivers State,” George said.
He also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of focusing more on controlling Rivers’ resources than addressing urgent national issues like insecurity, unemployment, and hunger.
The Senate has now passed the matter to its ad-hoc committee on emergency rule in Rivers State, which is expected to submit its report within a week.
Article updated 9 hours ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
