Bode George, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on President Bola Tinubu to reinstate Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is currently under suspension.
In an open letter to the president, George urged Tinubu to act in the spirit of reconciliation symbolized by the June 12 Democracy Day, noting that he had recently extended forgiveness to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
George, who once served as the PDP’s deputy national chairman (South-West), said reinstating Fubara would be a fitting tribute to the democratic ideals and sacrifices associated with June 12.
“If Tinubu could forgive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, then he should extend the same gesture to Fubara,” he was quoted as saying by NAN.
“On June 12, we will be celebrating Democracy Day. This is a reminder of the true meaning of democracy — the will of the people.
“Since Tinubu has forgiven Sanwo-Olu, then it makes a lot of sense, spiritually, to also forgive Fubara and let him return to office. I am talking as an elder.
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“He (Tinubu) later joined NADECO to fight for democracy. Some of those who fought alongside him for democracy have died. It is not of his making that he is alive today.
“So, he should thank God, honour the memory of those who fought alongside him for democracy and return Fubara to office immediately.
“I also appeal to him, in the spirit of my maternal grand uncle who founded the first political party in Nigeria in 1922, Herbert Macaulay, to please reinstate Fubara.
“Tinubu should listen to and honour this appeal in memory of all those who died in the journey to our democracy.”
On June 8, during a meeting with the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) and key stakeholders in Lagos, President Bola Tinubu announced that he had forgiven Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
June 12 is officially recognized as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, commemorating the historic 1993 presidential election and honouring MKO Abiola, the presumed winner, who died in detention.
Earlier, on March 18, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in response to a deepening political crisis.
As part of the emergency measures, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for an initial six-month period.
To restore order, the president appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.
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