A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has cautioned the Federal Government against extending the state of emergency in Rivers State beyond September 18, warning that such a move could spark unrest.
President Bola Tinubu had declared the emergency rule following the political conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Speaking on Frontline, a political programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, George argued that the declaration was unnecessary and likened the situation to the “Wetie” crisis in the Western Region, which contributed to the civil war of 1967.
“The situation in Rivers did not warrant a state of emergency. There was no widespread violence in Port Harcourt, Bonny, or other parts of the state. The people remained calm, and I commend them for that. Extending this emergency will only create avoidable trouble,” he said.
The former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP also advised the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), to exercise caution in carrying out his duties, stressing that he would be held accountable for his actions after leaving office.
He criticized the administrator’s decision to oversee local government elections and set up boards, insisting that such powers rest with an elected government.
“This is civil rule, not the military. A non-elected official should not assume responsibilities that belong to an elected governor,” George said.
Warning against any extension of the emergency rule, he added: “If this continues after September 18, the people will resist it because it amounts to shortchanging them. The administrator should step aside, as governance is not personal.”
