Urgent intervention from elders and key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is necessary to address the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, asserts former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Bode George.
Expressing concern on Friday, George cautioned that the crisis in Rivers State has the potential to ignite a nationwide conflict. He specifically cautioned President Bola Tinubu against underestimating the threat posed by lawmakers in the state House of Assembly who are pushing for the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He emphasized that no one should remain neutral or pretend that all is well, emphasizing the PDP’s ownership of the state.
Highlighting Section 109 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that a member of the House of Assembly must vacate their seat if they switch parties, George asserted that PDP lawmakers who have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have forfeited their positions. Therefore, their attempts to impeach Governor Fubara are futile, he argued.
“The individuals threatening the governor with impeachment are being influenced by external forces. Any such actions could have dire consequences, potentially endangering our democracy,” George remarked.
George drew parallels to past conflicts in Nigeria’s history, urging all parties involved in the Rivers crisis to prioritize peace and uphold the rule of law.
He called upon the Party’s Board of Trustees to swiftly address the situation and prevent further escalation, emphasizing the importance of considering the nation’s best interests alongside party affiliations.
George emphasized the need for responsible rhetoric and cooperation across party lines to prevent any threat to the democratic process.
“Actions that jeopardize democracy must be swiftly halted. We have reached a critical juncture,” he concluded.