Bode George Warns: Nigeria’s Democracy at Risk Over Rivers Crisis, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Case

 Elder statesman and former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has sounded the alarm over what he describes as a dangerous precedent being set by the current administration. He warned that the unfolding political crises—particularly the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the controversial handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio—could push Nigeria’s democracy toward collapse.

George, speaking in Lagos, drew parallels between the present situation and the events that led to the fall of Nigeria’s First and Second Republics. He expressed deep concern over what he sees as the reckless abuse of power, unconstitutional actions, and a lack of accountability by those entrusted with governance.

Chief George strongly criticized the manner in which President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was approved. He argued that the voice vote method used in the National Assembly lacked legitimacy and was a blatant disregard for constitutional requirements.

“The law is clear: a state of emergency must be approved by two-thirds of the National Assembly—74 Senators and 240 House members. Where is the proof that this requirement was met? How can a matter of national importance be decided by a mere voice vote?” he queried.

He further lamented that the crisis in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers faced suspension, was a troubling sign of executive overreach.

“In a democracy, no single authority should have the power to arbitrarily suspend elected officials. What we are witnessing now is a direct assault on the democratic process,” he warned.

Turning to the controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, George did not mince words, describing her suspension and the attempt to recall her from the Senate as a disgraceful display of political victimization.

“Nigeria is being ridiculed on the global stage because of how Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is being persecuted. Instead of setting up an independent body to investigate her claims against Senate President Akpabio, she was suspended. And now, they want to recall her using state machinery? What kind of democracy is this?”

George expressed dismay at the silence of many lawmakers, particularly those with daughters and wives, in the face of the blatant attempt to silence a female Senator. He praised the courage of Senators like Tambuwal, Dickson, and Abaribe, who opposed what he described as an unconstitutional and unjust move.

The PDP chieftain also called out what he saw as glaring inconsistencies in how political events are being handled across different states.

He pointed out that while Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was being barred from holding political gatherings in Kogi State, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was being allowed to organize rallies in Bayelsa despite rising tensions in the region.

“Why should Wike be allowed to enter Yenagoa and stir up political tensions when a sitting governor has warned against it? Meanwhile, in Kogi, security forces were deployed to prevent Natasha from even stepping into her state. This is double standards at its worst.”

He further questioned the integrity of the recall process initiated against Senator Natasha, ridiculing the sudden appearance of what he called “bags of papers” purportedly containing voter signatures.

“How does INEC plan to verify the authenticity of these so-called signatories? Are they even real people? This is a clear case of manipulation, and it will not stand,” he declared.

In a final note, Chief Bode George warned that the growing disregard for democratic norms and the use of state power to silence opposition figures could be a prelude to a larger political crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He lamented that Nigeria’s presidential system was becoming more oppressive than even military rule, with elected officials showing little regard for constitutional processes.

“This is no longer democracy; it is a dangerous descent into authoritarian rule. If this continues unchecked, what kind of election will we have in 2027? Will opposition voices even be allowed to speak?” he asked.

As tensions continue to rise over these issues, political analysts and stakeholders are closely watching how the government handles the unfolding crises. Will constitutional order be restored, or is Nigeria heading towards a deeper political turmoil? Only time will tell.