Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as a gesture of reconciliation in honour of the June 12 Democracy Day.
In an open letter released on Wednesday to mark the 32nd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, George called on Tinubu to reflect on the democratic ideals symbolised by the historic poll, which was won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola but annulled by the then military regime under Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Governor Fubara was suspended by President Tinubu on March 18 following intense political tensions in Rivers State.
George, referencing Tinubu’s past forgiveness of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged the President to show similar leniency toward Fubara.
“If Tinubu could forgive Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, then he should extend the same gesture to Fubara,” George wrote. “On June 12, we will be celebrating Democracy Day. This is a reminder of the true meaning of democracy – the will of the people.”
Appealing as an elder statesman, George said it would be spiritually and morally fitting for Tinubu to allow Fubara’s return, noting Tinubu’s own legacy as a key figure in the pro-democracy movement and a member of NADECO, the coalition that fought for the return to civilian rule.
“Many who stood with him in that struggle have passed on. He should thank God for life and honour their memory by restoring democratic order in Rivers,” George stated.
He concluded with a personal appeal tied to his lineage, invoking the legacy of his maternal grand uncle, Herbert Macaulay, who founded Nigeria’s first political party in 1922.
