Bode George Sends Strong Message to Tinubu Ahead of Democracy Day

Prominent PDP chieftain, Chief Bode George, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a powerful symbol of reconciliation ahead of Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12.

In an open letter to the president, George appealed for clemency and national healing, referencing Tinubu’s recent public forgiveness of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He argued that the same gesture should be extended to Fubara, saying it would reflect the spirit of democracy and demonstrate leadership that prioritizes unity over division.

“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 wrote. “I am speaking as an elder. On June 12, we celebrate Democracy Day—a reminder of the true meaning of democracy: the will of the people.”

George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP (South-West), reminded Tinubu of his own legacy as a frontline figure in the fight for democracy during Nigeria’s military era. He highlighted Tinubu’s role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and said the president owes it to the memory of fallen pro-democracy heroes to uphold democratic values, particularly in Rivers State.

“It is not of his making that he is alive today,” George stated. “He should thank God, honour the memory of those who stood with him, and return Fubara to office immediately.”

He also invoked the legacy of Herbert Macaulay—Nigeria’s first political party founder and George’s maternal grand uncle—urging the president to act in honour of those who paved the way for Nigeria’s democratic journey.

President Tinubu had, on June 8, announced that he had forgiven Governor Sanwo-Olu during a meeting with the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) and key Lagos stakeholders.

June 12 is commemorated annually in honour of the late MKO Abiola, presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, and symbolizes Nigeria’s return to civilian rule.

Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended on March 18, 2025, following a political crisis in the state. Tinubu declared a state of emergency, appointing retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator for an initial six-month period.

George’s call now places renewed pressure on the presidency to take steps toward healing and democratic restoration in Rivers State, using June 12 as a turning point.

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