Bode George urges President Tinubu to reinstate suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing the democratic ideals of June 12 and appeals to national unity

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a heartfelt appeal tied to the symbolic weight of June 12 Democracy Day, elder statesman and former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

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The plea, delivered in an open letter on Wednesday, marks the 32nd anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest.

The poll was won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola but later nullified by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

Bode George, invoking the democratic struggles of the past, reminded Tinubu of their shared history in the fight against military rule, particularly during the Sani Abacha era.

“He later joined NADECO to fight for democracy. Some of those who fought alongside him have died. It is not of his making that he is alive today,” George stated.

Fubara was suspended by Tinubu on March 18 amidst mounting political tensions in Rivers State. However, recent signs of reconciliation have emerged, including Fubara’s visit to the President in Lagos during the Sallah festivities.

George noted that if Tinubu could forgive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State under similar political circumstances, then it would be just and meaningful both spiritually and politically—to offer the same gesture to Fubara.

“Since Tinubu has forgiven Sanwo-Olu, it makes a lot of sense, spiritually, to also forgive Fubara and let him return to office,” he wrote. “I am talking as an elder.”

Appealing to the President’s conscience and historical legacy, George added, “Tinubu should listen to, and honour this appeal in memory of all those who died in the journey to our democracy.”

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Citing his lineage to Herbert Macaulay, the founder of Nigeria’s first political party, George emphasised that the spirit of democracy demands fairness, reconciliation, and respect for the will of the people values he believes reinstating Fubara would uphold.