Former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has expressed serious concerns about the ongoing political situation in Rivers State.
According to George, if the growing tensions in the state are not addressed promptly, they could escalate into a larger crisis that might have dangerous security consequences for Nigeria and potentially the entire West African region.
George emphasized the need for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to be allowed to carry out his duties without interference. He stated that the governor should be free to focus on governance and delivering the benefits of democracy to the people of Rivers State.
While discussing the recent local government elections in the state, George warned, “Any threat to peace in Rivers State could have severe security consequences, not just for Nigeria, but for the entire West African region.”
The former PDP leader urged President Bola Tinubu to step in and mediate. He advised Tinubu to speak with the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and ask him to avoid actions that could create instability in Rivers State. George stressed that Rivers is too important for Nigeria’s economic and political stability to be thrown into turmoil.
Drawing a historical comparison, George likened the current political tensions in Rivers to the events that led to the 1966 coup in Nigeria, which later resulted in the Nigerian Civil War. He pointed out that such unrest, if allowed to fester, could harm the nation’s democracy and set back its progress. He also urged politicians to put the interests of the country and its people above personal ambitions, especially with the 2027 elections still far off.
George particularly urged Wike, who previously governed Rivers State for eight years, to give Governor Fubara the space to govern without interference. According to him, the future of the governor should be left to the people of Rivers State, who will have their say through the ballot box in 2027.
“The political ambitions of individuals should not come at the expense of peace and development,” George said, adding that it was too early to start strategizing for the 2027 elections. He emphasized that Wike, who served as Rivers’ governor for eight years and is now a minister, should step aside and allow Governor Fubara to govern.
“By 2027, the people of Rivers State will decide through their votes whether they want Fubara to continue or not,” he said.
George also expressed disappointment with the conflicting court rulings surrounding the local government elections. He called on members of the judiciary to remain neutral and avoid being swayed by political influences. For the sake of peace and unity, George appealed to Wike to prioritize the well-being of the state over any personal political interests.
In closing, George expressed his hope that the political tensions in Rivers would soon be resolved for the good of all Nigerians. He prayed for Governor Fubara’s success and urged that all efforts be made to restore calm in the state, “in the interest of all Nigerians.”
