According to a report by Punch, Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has sharply criticized the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
In a scathing condemnation, George described the move as a blatant abuse of power and a violation of constitutional principles. His remarks came in response to the emergency rule announced by President Tinubu on Tuesday.
George did not mince words, calling the declaration “recklessness of the highest order” and questioning the rationale behind the move. “We can’t keep quiet. This is recklessness of the highest order. What did Fubara do?” George asked, referring to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, whose administration was accused of failing to tackle the security challenges in the region. The declaration led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers, with Admiral Ibokette Ibas appointed as the administrator for the state.
George’s criticism was rooted in what he perceived as the undemocratic nature of the emergency rule. He questioned the legitimacy of Tinubu’s decision, asking, “What did Fubara do?” and voicing concern over the possible political motivations behind the move. He argued that the federal government’s intervention in state affairs was unjustified, particularly given that the security situation in Rivers had been mismanaged by the state government rather than due to the governor’s actions.