President Bola Tinubu has been encouraged by the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide to show his dedication to democratic principles by restoring Governor Siminalayi Fubara and all lawfully elected lawmakers in Rivers State on the symbolic date of June 12.
The appeal follows Tinubu’s March 18 declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, which was brought on by the protracted political impasse between Governor Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Tinubu suspended Fubara and the State House of Assembly after the announcement, designating Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd) as the only administrator for a six-month term.
Recent talks between Tinubu, Wike, and the suspended governor indicate first steps toward reconciliation, despite the fact that the governors of the Peoples Democratic Party are currently contesting the President’s actions in court.
IYC President Theophilus Alaye emphasized in a statement issued on Tuesday that the return of Fubara and the Assembly members will send a strong message confirming Nigeria’s commitment to democratic government and the rule of law.
He cautioned that any departure from the electoral mandate undermines the country’s democratic principles and defies the desire of the Rivers people.
Alaye added that excluding elected officials creates a worrying precedent that Nigeria cannot afford and erodes public trust in government.
“The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide extends a solemn reminder of what this date represents: the triumph of the people’s will, the sanctity of the ballot, and the resilience of our democratic journey,” he remarked as June 12th, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, draws near.
“June 12 is a symbol, not merely a date. As a leading beneficiary and symbol of Nigeria’s democratic development, we so urge President Tinubu to take advantage of this opportunity and keep his word.
In keeping with this, we recognize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s purported pledge to rebuild Rivers State’s constitutional order by bringing back Governor Siminalayi Fubara and all validly elected members of the House of Assembly by June 12th, 2025, at the latest.
This pledge is an essential act of justice and statesmanship and should not be interpreted as a simple political compromise.
“The people of Rivers State chose Governor Fubara in an open and democratic election.
“Any deviation from that mandate threatens not only the desire of the Rivers people but also the very basis of our democracy.
“In a similar vein, excluding elected officials damages public confidence in government and creates a risky precedent that Nigeria cannot afford.”
The Ijaw people, who are known for their commitment to justice, fairness, and peace, have been watching the situation in Rivers State with cautious optimism and measured patience, Alaye emphasized.
They strongly believe in discussion, but they are also ready to defend their people’s democratic rights if needed, he explained, adding that their silence should not be interpreted as weakness or their restraint as apathy.
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