By Charles Pemu 
Abuja, Nigeria – As Nigeria gears up to celebrate Democracy Day on June 12, President Bola Tinubu stands at a pivotal crossroads, facing intense pressure to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara. Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly leading behind-the-scenes lobbying efforts, urging Tinubu to reverse Fubara’s six-month suspension in the spirit of democratic principles.
Governor Fubara’s controversial suspension on March 18, orchestrated by President Tinubu, has been widely decried by critics as unconstitutional. Legal experts and civil society groups cite sections of the Nigerian Constitution (305 and 188) that do not grant the President power to remove or suspend an elected state governor, even amidst emergency declarations. This action was seen as the climax of a bitter power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
The upcoming Democracy Day, commemorating 26 years of unbroken democratic rule, now casts a sharp spotlight on Tinubu’s commitment to the very values he championed during his own struggle for democracy. Will his national broadcast on June 12 reflect a reassertion of constitutional adherence or a continuation of the controversial suspension?
In a calculated move, Governor Fubara recently engaged President Tinubu in private meetings in London and Lagos. These high-stakes parleys are seen as a direct appeal for a “democratic rescue,” with Fubara urging his supporters to temper criticism of both the President and Minister Wike to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
While Minister Wike reportedly remained unaware of Fubara’s private meetings with the President, he has consistently stressed the need for sincerity from Fubara for any peace process to succeed.
The Rivers State crisis, and President Tinubu’s impending decision, has become a litmus test for his administration’s respect for the rule of law and democratic sanctity. With calls from eminent Nigerians and constitutional purists mounting, all eyes are on the President’s Democracy Day address, which could either re-affirm his democratic credentials or solidify concerns about executive overreach.