ABUJA – Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly leading a group of eminent Nigerians in behind-the-scenes efforts to have suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara reinstated on or before Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12. Sources claim Jonathan has personally appealed to President Bola Tinubu in at least one telephone conversation, urging the governor’s return in the spirit of the national holiday.
President Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s lawmakers for six months on March 18 amid a fierce political battle between Fubara and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. The move, which saw an unelected sole administrator appointed, was described by critics as unconstitutional, citing sections of the Nigerian Constitution that vest removal powers solely in the state House of Assembly.
As the nation marks 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, pressure is mounting on President Tinubu to resolve the constitutional crisis. In his 2024 Democracy Day address, Tinubu vowed to preserve democratic governance, stating, “I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance.” It is on this vow that many are pinning their hopes for Fubara’s return.
Fubara has recently made overtures of peace, holding private meetings with Tinubu in London and Lagos and urging his supporters to remain calm. This has fueled speculation that his reinstatement is imminent, potentially as part of the Democracy Day celebrations.
Stakeholders have expressed optimism, with Ijaw National Congress President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, stating Tinubu “should waste no further time in reversing that decision.” He added, “The president knows that the suspension is an aberration…Posterity is a good judge, and the president will want history to be soft on him.”
With June 12 just days away, all eyes are on President Tinubu to see if his Democracy Day broadcast will end the three-month-long state of emergency in Rivers State.