As Nigeria prepares to mark Democracy Day on June 12, former President Goodluck Jonathan and other influential figures are reportedly urging President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara
Sources confirm that Jonathan has spoken with Tinubu, advocating for Fubara’s return ahead of the national broadcast traditionally delivered by the president on Democracy Day. The appeal is grounded in the spirit of the day, which commemorates the nation’s democratic journey.
Fubara was suspended on March 18, alongside his deputy and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The suspension, said to have been endorsed by the National Assembly, followed an escalating political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The move was widely criticized as unconstitutional, with legal experts citing Sections 305 and 188 of the Constitution, which do not empower the president to suspend or remove an elected governor even under emergency rule.
Critics argue that the suspension represents a dangerous precedent and undermines democratic principles. They maintain that only a state House of Assembly has the authority to remove a sitting governor through the impeachment process.
The political crisis in Rivers State is rooted in a power struggle over control of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and key government appointments. Many expected Tinubu to lift the suspension on May 29, during the second anniversary of his administration. However, with that milestone passed, attention has now shifted to June 12.
This year’s Democracy Day marks 26 years of unbroken democratic governance in Nigeria since 1999. It also serves as a time of reflection on the sacrifices of democratic heroes like Chief MKO Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Pa Alfred Rewane, and Kudirat Abiola, among others. Tinubu himself was a prominent figure in the pro-democracy struggle and has often emphasized his commitment to protecting democratic values.
In last year’s Democracy Day address, Tinubu stated: “No matter how democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run… I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance.”
That commitment is now being tested. Since March 18, Rivers State has been under a state of emergency, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retd.) installed as sole administrator. If unaddressed, this situation will mark three months of unelected rule in the state by June 18, six days after Democracy Day.
The question on the minds of many Nigerians remains that will President Tinubu restore democratic order in Rivers State before June 12 or allow the controversial state of emergency to continue beyond its third month?
Only the president holds the answer. While signs suggest that Fubara may eventually return to office, the timing remains uncertain.
