George
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Olabode George, who addressed the media in Lagos today, expressed concern over recent events in Rivers State, stressing that the practice of democracy in Nigeria today remains problematic.
In a lengthy speech titled: “Enough of executive recklessness and brigandage”, the PDP Chieftain specifically raised issues about the constitution of the membership of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
He faulted what he described as effort of the Tinubu administration to legitimise illegally in Rivers State by constituting electoral body and conducting local government election in Rivers State under a sole administrator.
George insisted that allowing a sole administrator to conduct local government election under a democratic system of government amounts to illegality.
According to him, “Currently, there appears to be an effort to legitimize this illegality. Last week, President Tinubu formally sought the National Assembly’s approval for key appointments in Rivers State as part of the measures instituted under the state of emergency.”
He explained that a letter presented and read by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session, the President requested confirmation for the appointment of a Chairman and six members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). “These nominees were proposed by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the Sole Administrator responsible for overseeing the state’s affairs.
The President underscored the necessity of these appointments to facilitate effective governance during the emergency period and to assist the administrator in managing state functions efficiently.”
He said the implication of the above is that a person in office illegally is now being mandated to conduct council elections in this oil-bearing state.
Ibas
“The President’s insistence on these appointments reveals a troubling disregard for democratic principles. This move raises serious concerns about the concentration of power and undermines the very fabric of our democratic institutions.
“The implication of above is that a person in office illegally is now being mandated to conduct council elections in this oil-bearing state.
“I want to reiterate that what the President is doing in this Rivers matter is completely illegal and Nigerians know this. Constitutionality is being disregarded and disrespected. It is not possible for illegality to overcome legality.”Chief George said.
Chief George also condemned some state governors and members of the PDP that left the party for the opposition party All Progressives Congress APC saying they will soon regret their action