Former Peoples Democratic Party Deputy National Chairman, Bode George, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to in honour of June 12–democracy day–anniversary to reinstate suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.
Mr George made the appeal on Wednesday in an open letter to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the June 12, 1993, election.
The June 12, 1993, presidential election was won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, but was annulled on June 23, 1993, by military dictator, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd).
Mr Fubara was suspended by Mr Tinubu on March 18 due to political tension in the oil-rich state between the suspended governor and his political godfather and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Though, constitutionality of this process is in question with national implications, the Mr Tinubu went ahead to appoint a retired military man as Sole Administrator to oversee the financial purse of Rivers State.
Meanwhile, Mr Fubara visited Tinubu in Lagos during Sallah celebration. This raised speculations of possible defections and fears of one-party State under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr George 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 will 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 am talking as an elder.’’
Mr George noted that Mr Tinubu was in the forefront of those who fought the military, seeking a return to civilian rule.
The PDP chieftain said Mr Tinubu was passionate about return to civil rule during the military era, aspiring for top political positions in Lagos.
He said, “He later joined NADECO to fight for democracy. Some of those who fought alongside him for democracy have died. It is 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.’’
