Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, invoking the spirit of national reconciliation associated with the June 12 anniversary.
George made the appeal in an open letter issued on Wednesday to mark the 32nd anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely believed to have been won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola. That historic poll was later nullified by then military ruler, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
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Breakingng.com recalls that President Tinubu suspended Fubara on March 18 amid growing political tensions in the oil-producing state.
However, during the recent Eid celebrations, Governor Fubara reportedly paid a visit to Tinubu in Lagos.
George, in his message, urged the president to adopt a reconciliatory approach, similar to the gesture extended to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“If Tinubu could forgive Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, then he should extend same gesture to Fubara.”
He continued: “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.”
George also reflected on Tinubu’s past as a prominent advocate for the return to civilian rule, emphasizing his role in the pro-democracy movement during the military era.
“He 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.”
Drawing a historical link to Nigeria’s democratic origins, George invoked the legacy of his maternal grand uncle: “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.”
, Chief Bode George, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, invoking the spirit of national reconciliation associated with the June 12 anniversary.){kind=link}