June 12: Reinstate Fubara, Bode George pleads

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George has pleaded President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara in the spirit of June 12 anniversary.

Until his suspension from office as Executive Governor of Rivers State, Fubara was having running battle with his former political godfather, Nyesom Wike who was a former governor of Rivers and now the Minister of Federal Capital Territory.

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CAPITAL POST recalled that Fubara was suspended by President Bola Tinubu on 18th March, 2025 in the heat of the crisis.

Since his suspension, the governor has made moves to mend fences with Wike and has also visited Tinubu abroad and most recently in Lagos during Sallah celebration.

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In an open letter to President Tinubu, Bode George in commemorating the June 12 anniversary which the late MKO Abiola won, but was annulled by the former Military dictator, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida said, if the President could forgive the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, he should do the same for Fubara of Rivers State.
“On June 12, we’ll be celebrating Democracy Day. This is a reminder of the true meaning of democracy – the will of the people.

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

“Let me also remind the President that he was in the forefront of those who fought the military, seeking a return to civilian rule.

“I still remember him coming to my office in Aso Rock when he wanted to see General Diya. That was during the General Sani Abacha regime. He wanted to be deputy to Olagunsoye Oyinlola in Lagos then.

“He discussed with Diya but General Abacha eventually gave the position to Mrs. Okunnu. I know how passionate Tinubu was then about the return to civil rule. He later joined the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, to fight for democracy.

Some of those who fought alongside him for democracy have died. It’s not of his making that he is alive today.

“So, he should thank God, honour the memory of those who fought alongside him for democracy and return Fubara to office immediately.

“I also appeal to him, in the spirit of my maternal grand uncle who founded the first political party in Nigeria in 1922, Herbert Macaulay, to please reinstate Fubara.

“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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