Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Bode George has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State to office in the spirit of Democracy.
He urged Tinubu to honour the memory of those who fought alongside him for democracy and return Fubara to office immediately.
Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu and the entire Rivers State Assembly were suspended by Tinubu on March 18 due to political tension in the oil-rich state, and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), was appointed as Sole Administrator of the State.
Tinubu has been under immense pressure to restore a democratic order in the state, with several groups, including governors elected on the platform of the PDP and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) challenging the action in court.
Fubara, while the President was on an official working visit overseas in May, met with Tinubu in London behind closed doors as part of measures to make peace in the state and reverse the suspension. Just last week, Fubara also visited Tinubu in Lagos during Sallah celebration.
However, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, in an open letter to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola but annulled on June 23, 1993 by General Ibrahim Babangida, said: “If Tinubu could forgive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, then he should extend the same gesture to Fubara.
“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 granduncle, 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,” he urged.
