Prominent political figure, Bode George, has condemned the handling of recent political crises in Nigeria, arguing that the current presidential system is more chaotic than military rule.
Speaking in Lagos, George warned that the actions of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government mirror the events that led to the collapse of Nigeria’s First and Second Republics.
He particularly criticized the voice vote used to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it unconstitutional. Additionally, he described efforts to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as shameful and a clear case of political victimization.
George expressed dismay over various political events, including the withdrawal of security from an elected speaker in Lagos while deploying forces to a deposed speaker. He also accused the National Assembly of rubber-stamping unconstitutional decisions without proper legislative approval.
“In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers were suspended, and the National Assembly, without the mandatory two-thirds approval, endorsed this illegal action through a mere voice vote,” he said.
He further decried the Senate’s response to allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling it an “embarrassment to the country.”
“Nigeria is on the global spotlight for the wrong reasons. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo recently said democracy is dying—I disagree. Democracy isn’t dying, but those in power are losing their sense of responsibility. It’s a big shame,” George stated.
George strongly opposed the recall move against Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleging that it was politically motivated by the APC. He questioned the credibility of the process, particularly the collection of signatures.
“How will INEC verify all the signatories? Some people just walked into INEC’s office with bags of papers, and suddenly, it became official documents. This is clear manipulation, and it will not stand,” he declared.
He also accused the government of attempting to block Akpoti-Uduaghan from visiting Kogi State, only for her to travel there via helicopter, where she was welcomed by a large crowd.
“This only embarrassed the government further,” he added.
George warned that the current political climate signals a troubling path toward the 2027 elections. He also criticized the Federal Government’s handling of political tensions in Bayelsa State, where Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike was reportedly planning to attend a rally despite opposition from the state government.
“Why should Wike be allowed to go to Yenagoa and heat up tension? Kogi State Police Command banned rallies over Natasha, yet Wike is being encouraged to stir unrest in Bayelsa. This is double standard and outright lawlessness,” he argued.
He concluded by reiterating that the presidential system currently in place is ineffective and worse than military governance.
