George to Tinubu: Nigeria Under Impunity Yoke

Segun James

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has lamented that the nation was languishing under the yoke of Impunity under President Bola Tinubu.

He, however, raised the alarm over planned local government elections in Rivers State, saying Tinubu was making an effort to legitimise illegality.

George made the remark during a press conference in his office at Ikoyi, Lagos on Monday, in a speech titled: ‘Enough of Executive Recklessness and Brigandage.’

Tinubu had declared a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, which led to the suspension of Governor SimFubara, his Deputy and the State House of Assembly.

Following the declaration, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-EteIbas (rtd.), as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.

Subsequently, Tinubu formally sought the National Assembly’s approval for key appointments in Rivers including a Chairman and six members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

George considered the move to appoint RSIEC members by Ibas as an attempt to impose an ‘illegality’ over the affairs of Rivers State.

“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.

“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.

“It is noteworthy, that prior to and subsequent to the emergency declaration, Rivers State witnessed no significant incidents of violence, not even a ‘chicken’ was killed in the state.

“Nevertheless, a group entangled in this manufactured man-made crisis shamelessly praised President Tinubu’s decision, revealing that the motivations behind the declaration were politically motivated—a deeply troubling reality that cannot be overlooked.

“Currently, there appears to be an effort to legitimize this illegality. Last week, President Tinubu formally sought the National Assembly’s approval for key appointments in Rivers State as part of the measures instituted under the state of emergency.

“In a letter presented and read by Senate President GodswillAkpabio during a plenary session, the President requested confirmation for the appointment of a Chairman and six members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). These nominees were proposed by Vice Admiral Ibok-EteIbas (rtd.), the Sole Administrator responsible for overseeing the state’s affairs.

“The President underscored the necessity of these appointments to facilitate effective governance during the emergency period and to assist the administrator in managing state functions efficiently.

“The implication of above is that a person in office illegally is now being mandated to conduct council elections in this oil-bearing state.”