A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has sounded a warning that the political crisis in Rivers State could escalate into a national catastrophe if not addressed promptly. George made the call on Friday, urging party elders and stakeholders to intervene in the crisis rocking the state.
The crisis, which has been brewing for some time, took a new turn recently when some lawmakers in the state House of Assembly threatened to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara. George warned that this move could have far-reaching consequences, not just for Rivers State but for the entire country.
Bode George warned on the potential of the situation deteriorating into ‘Operation wetie’ which started in the defunct Western Region and “eventually consumed the nation and ended the First Republic in 1966.”
George, who was a key figure in the PDP during his time as Deputy National Chairman, also referenced the 1999 Constitution, Section 109 (1) (g), which states that lawmakers who defect to another party automatically lose their seats. He argued that the PDP lawmakers who moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are no longer eligible to threaten Governor Fubara’s impeachment.
The former PDP chieftain has therefore appealed to party leaders, especially the Board of Trustees, to act swiftly and resolve the crisis before it spirals out of control. He also urged all parties to prioritize the collective interests of Nigerians and avoid actions that could truncate democracy.
“All the gladiators should think of the collective interests of Nigerians,” George said. “Whether we are members of PDP, APC, or other parties, we should stop issuing provocative statements to increase the tension in Rivers. Any move that can truncate this democracy must be stopped immediately. Enough is enough.”
