A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of abandoning governance for political theatrics, warning that Nigeria is drifting dangerously toward authoritarianism.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Monday, George stated that the country was at a “critical juncture,” where the very essence of democratic governance was under threat.
“Nigeria currently finds itself at a critical juncture, where the actions of the current political administration threaten to erode the very foundations of our hard-won democracy,” George said.
“Twenty-six years after the restoration of civilian governance, a growing number of Nigerians are left questioning the authenticity of a government that claims to be of, by, and for the people.
“It is time for us to confront these challenges head-on and demand a democracy that truly serves its citizens,” he said.
Citing the political crisis in Rivers State, George condemned Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, which he said led to the unconstitutional suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials.
“Recent events in Rivers State are indications that the administration of our democracy remains problematic.
“It is noteworthy that before and even after the emergency declaration, Rivers State witnessed no significant incidents of violence—not even a chicken was killed,” he said.
He referenced a letter recently sent by the President to the National Assembly, seeking confirmation of appointments into several key offices in Rivers State, including the Independent Electoral Commission and Civil Service Commission, under the emergency rule.
“The President’s insistence on these appointments reveals a troubling disregard for democratic principles,” George said, adding that it raised “serious concerns about the concentration of power and suggests a calculated effort to bypass accountability and manipulate state functions.”
Describing the development as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy, George warned that the country was “staggering dangerously on the path of self-destruction.
“Those in charge have refused to learn lessons from the past. It is disheartening that Nigeria is globally on the radar for all the wrong reasons.”
He also criticised the Senate’s role in endorsing the emergency rule by voice vote, without securing the constitutionally required two-thirds majority from both chambers of the National Assembly.
“The law is clear: two-thirds of members—74 senators and 240 representatives—must approve a state of emergency. What is the meaning of a voice vote? Did they get the numbers?” George asked.
He reminded Tinubu of a public statement he made in 2013, where he (Tinubu) condemned Jonathan’s emergency declaration and warned against its misuse.
“Tinubu, if your advisers won’t tell you the truth, Nigerians have spoken with one voice: your despotic tendencies—disguised as emergency measures—cannot stand,” George declared.(Punch)
