Bode George urges Tinubu to reinstate Fubara in spirit of June 12

Prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bode George, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, as a symbolic gesture of reconciliation ahead of the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations.

In an open letter addressed to the president, George appealed for Fubara’s reinstatement, invoking the spirit of national unity and democratic values associated with June 12 — a day set aside to honour the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

Drawing a parallel with the president’s recent pardon of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, George argued that the same act of forgiveness should be extended to Fubara.

“If Tinubu could forgive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, then he should extend the same gesture to Fubara,” he said.

George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South-West), emphasized the symbolic and moral importance of the gesture. “On June 12, we will be celebrating Democracy Day. This is a reminder of the true meaning of democracy — the will of the people,” he noted.

The elder statesman urged President Tinubu to honour the memory of those who fought and died for Nigeria’s democracy, including heroes of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which Tinubu himself was part of during the military era.

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“He should thank God, honour the memory of those who fought alongside him for democracy, and return Fubara to office immediately,” George stated.

He further appealed to Tinubu’s historical consciousness, referencing his maternal granduncle, Herbert Macaulay, Nigeria’s first political party founder.

“In the spirit of Herbert Macaulay and what he stood for, Mr. President should listen to this appeal and reinstate Fubara,” he added.

Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended on March 18, 2025, following a political crisis in the state.

President Tinubu subsequently declared a state of emergency in Rivers and appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator for an initial six-month period.

June 12 is officially recognized as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in honour of the annulled 1993 presidential election won by MKO Abiola and the struggle that followed to restore democratic governance.