Prominent Nigerian politician and former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a gesture of reconciliation and democratic spirit.
In an open letter marking the 32nd anniversary of the historic but annulled 1993 general election, George appealed to Tinubu to reflect on the democratic ideals symbolised by June 12 and act in the interest of national unity.
The 1993 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, was won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola but annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. The date is now observed as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day.
Governor Fubara, who has been at the centre of political turmoil in oil-rich Rivers State, was suspended from office in March amid ongoing disputes within the state’s political structure. However, he recently visited President Tinubu during the Eid al-Adha festivities in Lagos, sparking speculation about a possible reconciliation.
“If the President could forgive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos, it would be both politically and spiritually meaningful to extend the same grace to Governor Fubara,” George wrote.
George reminded Tinubu of his legacy as a pro-democracy advocate and member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which fought for a return to civilian rule in the 1990s. He urged the President to honour the sacrifices of those who died in the struggle for democracy by embracing forgiveness.
“In the memory of our democratic heroes, and in the spirit of our shared history, I plead with the President to allow Governor Fubara to return to office,” George said. “This is the essence of democracy—the will of the people and the forgiveness of leadership.”
