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Elder statesman and 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 powerful symbol of reconciliation ahead of Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12.
In an open letter to the president, George appealed for clemency and national healing, drawing comparisons to Tinubu’s recent public pardon of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He argued that in the spirit of fairness and democratic values, the same forgiveness should be extended to Governor Fubara.
“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 said. “I speak as an elder. On June 12, we mark Democracy Day—a time to reflect on the true meaning of governance by the will of the people.”
George, who once served as PDP Deputy National Chairman (South-West), highlighted Tinubu’s historic role in the fight for democracy during Nigeria’s military era. As a leading figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Tinubu stood against dictatorship a cause that claimed the lives of many of his allies. George urged the president to honour their memory by restoring democratic order in Rivers State.
“It is not by his power that he is alive today,” George noted. “He should thank God, remember those who sacrificed for democracy, and do the right thing—reinstate Governor Fubara.”
The PDP elder also invoked his personal heritage, referencing his maternal grand uncle, Herbert Macaulay—Nigeria’s political pioneer and founder of the first political party in 1922. “Tinubu should listen to this appeal, not just for today, but in honour of all who died in the struggle for democracy,” he said.
President Tinubu had earlier announced his forgiveness of Governor Sanwo-Olu during a June 8 meeting with the Governor’s Advisory Council and other Lagos stakeholders.
June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, commemorates the country’s return to civilian rule and celebrates the legacy of the late MKO Abiola, the widely acknowledged winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election.
It will be recalled that on March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to escalating political instability. The move led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the entire state House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. Retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the state’s sole administrator.
As June 12 approaches, Bode George’s appeal serves as a timely reminder of the values Nigeria fought to uphold democracy, justice, and reconciliation.
