Bode George Urges Tinubu To Reinstate Fubara In Spirit Of June 12

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the spirit of Democracy Day.

George made the appeal in an open letter released yesterday to mark the 32nd anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola but nullified by then military ruler Gen. Ibrahim Babangida on June 23, 1993.

Citing the political crisis in Rivers State, President Tinubu had suspended Governor Fubara and the state’s legislature on March 18. However, Fubara recently visited Tinubu in Lagos during the Sallah festivities, sparking renewed calls for reconciliation.

“On June 12, we will be celebrating Democracy Day. This is a reminder of the true meaning of democracy – the will of the people,” George stated. “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 am talking as an elder.”

The PDP chieftain recalled Tinubu’s role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, highlighting his involvement with NADECO during the military era and his continued push for civilian governance.

“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 said.

He urged Tinubu to honour the legacy of the democracy struggle by reversing Fubara’s suspension. “He should thank God, honour the memory of those who fought alongside him for democracy, and return Fubara to office immediately.”

George also invoked the memory of his maternal grand uncle, Herbert Macaulay, founder of Nigeria’s first political party in 1922, appealing to Tinubu to act in the spirit of national unity and democratic progress.