Bode George, a senior chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, as a symbolic act to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12.
In an open letter, George appealed for clemency and reconciliation, drawing parallels to Tinubu’s recent gesture of forgiveness toward Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He urged the president to extend similar magnanimity to Fubara, citing the ideals of democracy and national unity.
“Since Tinubu has forgiven Sanwo-Olu, then it makes a lot of sense, spiritually, to also forgive Fubara and let him return to office,” George said. “I speak as an elder. June 12 represents the will of the people — that is the essence of democracy.”
George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South-West), referenced Tinubu’s past role in the pro-democracy struggle and his affiliation with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). He urged the president to honour the sacrifices of fallen comrades by restoring democratic governance in Rivers State.
“It is not by his doing that he is alive today,” George added. “He should honour the memory of those who fought alongside him for democracy and reinstate Fubara.”
He also invoked the legacy of his maternal grand-uncle, Herbert Macaulay, Nigeria’s first political party founder, urging Tinubu to honour the nation’s democratic journey.
On June 8, Tinubu announced he had forgiven Sanwo-Olu during a meeting with the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) and other stakeholders in Lagos.
June 12 commemorates Nigeria’s return to civilian rule and honours the late MKO Abiola, winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election.
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing escalating political tensions. Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire State House of Assembly were suspended for six months, with retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as the state’s sole administrator.
