Bode George, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, as a symbolic gesture in honour of Nigeria’s Democracy Day marked on June 12.
In an open letter to the president, George appealed for reconciliation and clemency, drawing parallels with Tinubu’s recent decision to forgive Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He argued that the same magnanimity should be extended to Fubara in the spirit of democracy and national healing.
“Since Tinubu has forgiven Sanwo-Olu, then it makes a lot of sense, spiritually, to also forgive Fubara and let him return to office,” George stated. “I am talking as an elder. On June 12, we will be celebrating Democracy Day. This is a reminder of the true meaning of democracy — the will of the people.”
George, a former PDP deputy national chairman (South-West), referenced the president’s role in the pro-democracy movement during the military era and his association with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). He noted that many who stood with Tinubu in the fight for democracy have passed on and urged the president to honour their memory by restoring democratic governance in Rivers State.
“It is not of his making that he is alive today,” George said of Tinubu. “He should thank God, honour the memory of those who fought alongside him for democracy, and return Fubara to office immediately.”
He also invoked the legacy of Herbert Macaulay, Nigeria’s political pioneer and George’s maternal grand uncle, who founded the country’s first political party in 1922. “Tinubu should listen to and honour this appeal in memory of all those who died in the journey to our democracy,” he added.
On June 8, Tinubu announced during a meeting with the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) and other Lagos stakeholders that he had forgiven Governor Sanwo-Olu.
June 12 is observed annually to commemorate Nigeria’s return to civilian rule and honour the legacy of the late MKO Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election.
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, amid mounting political tension and instability. The move led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. Retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as sole administrator of the state.
