Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to show forgiveness to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, just as he once did for Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. George made this appeal in an open letter released on Wednesday, ahead of the June 12 Democracy Day celebration.
In the letter, George reminded the President of the importance of June 12 and its place in Nigeria’s democratic journey. The date marks the anniversary of the annulled 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola. George used the occasion to urge Tinubu to reflect on the meaning of democracy and apply the same spirit to the situation involving Governor Fubara.
Governor Fubara was reportedly suspended by President Tinubu on March 18 amid rising political tensions in Rivers State. The exact details of the suspension remain unclear to the public, but it followed months of political disagreements within the state.
George referenced Fubara’s recent visit to Tinubu in Lagos during the Sallah celebration, suggesting the meeting could be a sign that reconciliation is possible. In his message, George stated: “If Tinubu could forgive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, then he should extend same gesture to Fubara.”
He also reminded Tinubu of his own long-standing involvement in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles. “Let me also remind the President that he was in the forefront of those who fought the military, seeking a return to civilian rule,” George wrote.
He recalled Tinubu’s visits to the Presidential Villa during the military regime of General Sani Abacha, where he sought political appointments and later joined the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to resist military rule. George said this history makes it even more important for Tinubu to act in the spirit of June 12.
“So, he should thank God, honour the memory of those who fought alongside him for democracy and return Fubara to office immediately,” George added.
George concluded his letter with a personal appeal, referencing his family ties to Herbert Macaulay, a founding figure in Nigerian politics. “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,” he wrote.
