A prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party, Bode George, has strongly criticized the presence of security forces at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, which halted planned meetings of the National Executive Council and the Board of Trustees scheduled for Monday.
George, who addressed journalists outside the barricaded premises, condemned the police action that barred BoT members, including himself, from entering the facility.
He cautioned the Federal Government against actions that could destabilize the nation.
“It’s strikingly annoying. This is our property. Was there any court order to say we will not hold our meeting in our office? What is going on? I was a young man in 1962 when it all started in the South West. We must avoid that madness. What is it? Can’t we sit and talk? What is the essence of democracy?” he said.
Expressing deep concern over what he described as a disturbing trend, George questioned the rationale behind deploying police forces to prevent a party meeting, likening the situation to authoritarian regimes.
“Nigerians are watching, you came to our office, surrounded by police because we want to have a meeting? You want to turn us to North Korea or turn this country to Russia? We will not allow it, Nigerians will not allow it,” he added.
Despite the disruption, George affirmed that the PDP’s planned meeting would proceed, though he did not reveal the alternative venue. The police presence at the secretariat remained, blocking all access for BoT members.
