Democracy Day: “Forgive Fubara like you forgave Sanwo-Olu” – Bode George begs Tinubu
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day.
Fubara, who was suspended on March 18 due to ongoing political crises in Rivers State, recently visited President Tinubu in Lagos during the Sallah celebrations.
In an open letter released on Wednesday, George linked his appeal to the significance of June 12, which marks the 32nd anniversary of the 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola but annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.
George argued that if President Tinubu could forgive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, he should extend the same gesture to Fubara.
“Since Tinubu has forgiven Sanwo-Olu, it makes a lot of sense, spiritually, to also forgive Fubara and let him return to office. I am talking as an elder,” Bode George said.
“Let me also remind the President that he was at the forefront of those who fought the military, seeking a return to civilian rule.
“I still remember him coming to my office in Aso Rock when he wanted to see General Diya. That was during the General Sani Abacha regime.
“He wanted to be deputy to Olagunsoye Oyinlola in Lagos then. He discussed with Diya, but General Abacha eventually gave the position to Mrs. Okunnu. I know how passionate Tinubu was then about the return to civil rule. 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,” he added.
