Dapo Akinlefon
Governor Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed concern over recent political developments in Rivers State, a crisis that will have far-reaching implications for security in Western Nigeria if not addressed. warned that it could lead to Africa and all of Africa.
Chief Justice George urged that Governor Siminalai Hubala be allowed to govern without interference and deliver the benefits of democracy to the people of Rivers State. “Any threat to peace in Rivers State could have serious security implications not only for Nigeria but for the entire West African region,” George said in response to the recent local government elections in the state.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and advised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, to refrain from any action that could destabilize the country. According to George, Rivers is too important economically and politically to Nigeria’s survival to be drawn into conflict.
George likened the current situation in Rivers to the political crisis that led to Nigeria’s 1966 coup d’état, which led to a civil war. He warned that such a crisis, if left unchecked, could disrupt the country's democracy.
“Personal political ambitions should not come at the expense of peace and development,” George said, adding that it was too early to plan strategies for the 2027 elections. He stressed that Wike, who served as Rivers governor for eight years and is currently a minister, should step down and hand over governance to Governor Hubala.
“By 2027, the people of Rivers State will vote whether they want Hubara to continue or not,” he said.
George also criticized inconsistent court rulings on local government elections and urged judicial officials to avoid being influenced by politicians. He called for peace and unity in Rivers State and appealed to Wike to put the interests of the people ahead of his personal ambitions.
Finally, George expressed hope for Governor Hubala’s success and prayed for resolution of the political turmoil in Rivers, saying that this turmoil must end “in the interest of all Nigerians”.
