Jonathan, Others Pressure Tinubu To Reinstate Fubara Before June 12

Jonathan, Others Pressure Tinubu To Reinstate Fubara Before June 12
Legal experts say suspension of governor breaches constitutional provisions.
Tinubu faces pressure to uphold democratic ideals on Democracy Day.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly at the forefront of efforts to persuade President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, ahead of the June 12 Democracy Day celebration.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that sources confirmed Jonathan has personally appealed to Tinubu via telephone, citing the need for national unity and adherence to democratic values. Two other unnamed former presidents are also said to have expressed concern over Fubara’s suspension.

Fubara’s recent visits to the Presidential Villa were reportedly facilitated by high-ranking political actors, including Jonathan. Observers believe Tinubu’s body language suggests a possible reversal of the suspension earlier slated to last six months.

Tinubu had announced Fubara’s suspension on March 18, a decision that attracted public backlash and legal scrutiny. Constitutional experts argued that the president lacked authority to remove a sitting governor without declaring a state of emergency, as outlined in Section 305 of the Constitution.

They also pointed to Section 188, which grants impeachment powers solely to the State House of Assembly.

The political crisis in Rivers State stemmed from a rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the FCT, over control of the PDP structure in the state.

The fallout led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and several pro-Wike lawmakers.

Though many expected a resolution on May 29 during Tinubu’s anniversary address, attention has now shifted to June 12. Critics argue the president must uphold the democratic ideals championed by icons like MKO Abiola and Kudirat Abiola, especially given his own pro-democracy background.