Ahead of the Democracy Day on June 12, a coalition of South-South Youths Initiative and the Coalition of Rivers State Youth Bodies has called on President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the suspended governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara
The groups made the plea in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday and signed by the national president of the South-South Youths Initiative, Mr Imeabe Oscar, who also doubles as the chairman of the Coalition of Rivers State Youth Bodies.
The coalition said the suspension of the governor is a threat to the constitutional order and endangers the foundation of democracy.
“As we commemorate Democracy Day on June 12, we reflect on the significance of democratic governance and the rule of law in our nation”.
“However, recent events in Rivers State have raised concerns about the health of our democracy.
“The suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu’s administration has dented our democratic process said to be practiced in Nigeria.
“We urge President Tinubu to prioritise the restoration of democratic order in Rivers State by reinstating the suspended elected official,” the coalition said.
It added: “The Nigerian Constitution outlines impeachment by the State House of Assembly as the sole legitimate process for removing a governor, making this suspension unconstitutional.”
The group expressed concern about the erosion of democratic values in Rivers State, noting that the crisis has attracted international attention and could destabilise Nigeria’s fragile democratic structure.
“The suspension of elected officials sets a dangerous precedent, threatening the autonomy of states and the will of the people.
“The president’s actions have been described as reckless, unconstitutional, and an affront to Nigeria’s democracy.
“The crisis in Rivers State has drawn international attention, with concerns about implications for Nigeria’s democratic stability,” it added.
The coalition therefore called on the federal government “to respect the democratic process and reinstate Governor Fubara and the suspended lawmakers.”
“We also urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend our democracy against any form of manipulation or erosion.
“As we planned to celebrate Democracy Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy, federalism, and the rule of law.
“We must work together to ensure that our democratic institutions are strengthened, not weakened,” it said.
Similarly, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide appealed to the president to restore full democratic governance to Rivers State by reinstating Fubara and members of the state assembly.
The council’s appeal was contained in a statement entitled “On the imperative of restoring Governor Sim Fubara and other democratically elected lawmakers before June 12,” issued by president, Dr. Alaye Theophilus, in Abuja on Tuesday.
The group said request was guided by the spirit of the season and in acknowledgment of the president’s commitment to restoration constitutional order in the state.
“As we approach June 12th—Nigeria’s Democracy Day—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.
“It is in this spirit that we acknowledge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reported commitment to restoring constitutional order in Rivers State by reinstating Governor Siminalayi Fubara and all duly elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly on or before June 12th, 2025. This promise must not be taken lightly, nor should it be seen as a mere political concession—it is a necessary act of justice and statesmanship.
“Governor Sim Fubara was elected by the people of Rivers State through a transparent and democratic process. Any disruption to that mandate undermines not just the will of the Rivers people but the very foundation upon which our democracy stands.
“Similarly, the sidelining of elected lawmakers erodes public trust in governance and sets a dangerous precedent that Nigeria cannot afford,” the council said.
It further stated that the Ijaw Nation is a gathering of peaceful and patient people who strongly believe in dialogue and defense of their democratic rights.
Consequently, the IYC said: “June 12 is not just a date—it is a symbol. We therefore call on President Tinubu, as a foremost beneficiary and icon of Nigeria’s democratic evolution, to seize this moment and fulfill his promise. The restoration of Governor Fubara and the assembly members will reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and heal the wounds of division that have emerged in recent times.
“Let this Democracy Day be remembered not just as a celebration, but as a turning point, a moment when justice was served, peace was restored, and democracy prevailed.
“We call on all lovers of democracy—within and outside Nigeria—to stand with us in this just cause.”
