Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused President Bola Tinubu of attempting to legitimize illegal actions in Rivers State by seeking National Assembly approval for key appointments, including an electoral body to conduct local government elections. George stated that the country is at a “critical juncture,” warning that Nigeria is dangerously sliding towards authoritarianism and that democratic governance is under threat.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Monday, George condemned Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, which he claims led to the unconstitutional suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials. He highlighted that no significant incidents of violence occurred in Rivers State before or after the emergency declaration.
George specifically criticized President Tinubu’s request to the Senate for confirmation of a Chairman and six members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), as well as appointments for the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Board, Civil Service Commission, and Local Government Civil Service Commission. These nominees were reportedly proposed by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), who is serving as the sole administrator of the state.
The PDP chieftain argued that it is illegal for a sole administrator, whom he described as being "in office illegally," to oversee local government elections under a democratic system. George insisted that "illegality cannot override legality" and urged the Senate to reject Tinubu’s appointment requests. He warned that the president’s insistence on these appointments shows a troubling disregard for democratic principles, raising concerns about the concentration of power and undermining the foundation of democratic institutions.
George asserted that 26 years after the restoration of civilian governance, many Nigerians are questioning the authenticity of a government claiming to be for the people. He lamented that Nigeria is precariously heading towards self-destruction and urged those in charge to apply the brakes, questioning whether the country is practicing democracy or dictatorship.
