Veteran politician and elder statesman, Chief Bode George, has urged President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship by reinstating suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in the spirit of June 12 — Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
In a passionate open letter made public on Tuesday, the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called on President Tinubu to replicate the same forgiveness he extended to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, by lifting the suspension of Fubara and other key political figures in Rivers.
George’s appeal comes amid nationwide reflection on June 12, the day set aside to honour the pro-democracy legacy of the late Chief MKO Abiola and the struggle that birthed Nigeria’s fourth republic.
“If Tinubu could forgive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, then he should extend the same gesture to Governor Fubara,” George stated, adding that reconciliation at this time would honour the sacrifices made by pro-democracy heroes and preserve national unity.
In March, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following intense political turmoil.
He suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly, citing instability and threats to governance.
A sole administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas, was appointed to take charge of the state’s affairs.
But George, a respected figure in Nigeria’s political circle and a staunch advocate of democratic values, described the move as “an aberration” and said it undermined the spirit of June 12.
“June 12 is not just a public holiday. It is a solemn reminder of the resilience of the Nigerian people and the sanctity of the ballot. Suspending an elected governor contradicts the principles we claim to celebrate,” George said.
He appealed to Tinubu to reflect on his own roots in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which fought military rule in the 1990s.
“Tinubu himself was part of that struggle. Many of his comrades died. He is lucky to be alive today — and he should show gratitude by protecting democracy, not subverting it.”
George also invoked the legacy of his maternal grand-uncle, Herbert Macaulay, widely considered the father of Nigerian nationalism.
“As a descendant of Herbert Macaulay, I make this appeal not as a partisan politician, but as a patriot who values democratic governance.”
Observers believe the political crisis in Rivers is deepening Nigeria’s fragile federal system, with growing calls from civil society and opposition figures for a peaceful resolution.
June 12 is commemorated in honour of MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election — a symbol of the Nigerian people’s collective desire for democracy.
It has become a rallying point for democratic accountability and civic reflection.
George concluded his message with a direct charge to the president: “It is time to rise above political differences. Let us use the spirit of June 12 to heal, to forgive, and to uphold the democracy we all fought for.”
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu announced emergency rule in Rivers State due to escalating political tensions.
In an unprecedented move, he suspended the governor, his deputy, and the entire legislature for six months.
The suspension drew criticism from civil rights groups and opposition leaders who called it unconstitutional and undemocratic.
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