Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a stark warning that recent political developments in Rivers State and the handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio could lead to the collapse of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Speaking in Lagos, George drew parallels between the current situation and events that led to the downfall of Nigeria’s First and Second Republics. He went on to describe Nigeria’s current presidential system as worse than military rule, expressing deep concern over the country’s political trajectory.

George criticized the approval process for President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in Rivers State, describing the use of a voice vote in the National Assembly as unconstitutional. He also condemned efforts to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate, calling the move shameful.

“Today, I see what led to the collapse of the First and Second Republics being repeated by the APC-led Federal Government,” George said, citing examples like the withdrawal of security from an elected speaker in Lagos, the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, and the unconstitutional approval of these actions by the National Assembly as evidence of government overreach.

George further criticized the Senate’s handling of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Akpabio, calling it an embarrassment to the country. He emphasized that the law requires a two-thirds majority approval from both houses of the National Assembly to declare a state of emergency, but this was bypassed through a voice vote, which he argued undermines the democratic process.

“The law says two-thirds of members of the National Assembly must approve a declaration of a state of emergency, which is 74 Senators and 240 Representatives. So, what is the meaning of a voice vote?” he asked, commending Senators Tambuwal, Dickson, Abaribe, and others who opposed what he described as the “illegality” and injustice in the Senate.

The former PDP leader also accused the ruling party of orchestrating the recall effort against Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it a “stage-managed” attempt by the APC and Senate. He alleged manipulation of signatures at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to facilitate the recall.

He expressed concern over attempts by the government to stop Akpoti-Uduaghan from traveling to Kogi State, noting her strong reception there as a sign of the government’s failure.

“This presidential system we are operating now is worse than what happens in a military organisation. This is no longer democracy,” George remarked, warning that the situation could lead to political instability in 2027 and beyond.

George also raised alarms about tensions in Bayelsa State, where FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was reportedly planning to attend a rally despite objections from the state government. He criticized the federal government’s stance, accusing it of encouraging lawlessness across the country.

“This will be a double tragedy and it makes no political sense at all,” George concluded.