Bode George Accuses Tinubu Of Using NASS To Validate ‘Illegal’ Actions In Rivers
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has accused President Bola Tinubu of attempting to legitimise illegality in Rivers State through the National Assembly.
George raised the alarm on Monday in Lagos, warning that the President’s request for the confirmation of appointments into key institutions in Rivers State is a dangerous precedent.
He described Tinubu’s move as a calculated attempt to use the legislature to validate unconstitutional actions.
According to George, “The President is trying to use the National Assembly to legitimise illegality in Rivers State. This is a blatant disregard for the constitution and the rule of law.”
His comments come amid the ongoing state of emergency declared by the President in the state on March 18, 2025.
George said the President’s letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, seeking confirmation for appointments into the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), as well as the Primary Healthcare Board and the Civil Service Commission, is troubling.
The nominees were put forward by the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), appointed by Tinubu to oversee Rivers State during the emergency.
George said such actions undermine Nigeria’s democracy and stability.
He stated, “The National Assembly is supposed to check the executive, not rubber-stamp its actions. Enough is enough.”
He accused the Tinubu-led administration of attempting to silence the will of the people through illegitimate control of state structures.
“This move raises serious concerns about the concentration of power and manipulation of state functions,” he added.
George warned that if the National Assembly endorses Tinubu’s request, it would mean an illegally installed official will conduct elections in a critical oil-rich state.
Citing Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, George said, “In 1972, Fela sang ‘When trouble sleep, Yanga go wake am…’ The effect of that song still reverberates today.”
He concluded, “What the President is doing in Rivers is completely illegal. Constitutionality is being disregarded. Illegality cannot override legality. The people are the government. When you take away their mandate, democracy ceases to exist. That is exactly what is happening in Rivers State.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
