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June 12 Pardon? Pressure Mounts on Tinubu to Reinstate Governor Fubara by Goodluck Jonathan and Others

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 8th, 2025.

June 12 Pardon? Pressure Mounts on Tinubu to Reinstate Governor Fubara by Goodluck Jonathan and Others

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

As Nigeria approaches Democracy Day on June 12, growing political pressure is mounting on President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Behind-the-scenes efforts, including from former President Goodluck Jonathan, are said to be intensifying in a bid to resolve the crisis before the symbolic national holiday.

Multiple credible sources have confirmed that Jonathan has held at least one private phone call with President Tinubu, urging a resolution in the spirit of national unity and democratic principles. With Tinubu expected to deliver a national address on Democracy Day, speculation is rife that the announcement may include a move to end what some critics describe as an unconstitutional suspension of the elected Rivers governor.

A Controversial Suspension

Governor Fubara was suspended on March 18, 2025—an action that triggered legal and political controversy across the country. Legal analysts argue that the Nigerian Constitution offers no explicit provision for the President to unilaterally suspend an elected governor unless a state of emergency is formally declared.

Despite initial speculation that Fubara might be reinstated during the May 29 anniversary of Tinubu’s administration, no such announcement was made. With June 12 now in sight—and the suspension nearing its three-month mark on June 18—many see the Democracy Day celebration as a fitting moment for Tinubu to restore Fubara’s mandate.

A Series of Strategic Moves

Insiders reveal that the political chessboard in Rivers State has shifted significantly in recent weeks. In April, Fubara reportedly traveled to London via Germany to meet President Tinubu, who was in the UK at the time. The three-hour closed-door meeting focused on restoring peace in Rivers and reactivating the state’s democratic institutions. Sources close to the talks suggest that the president was impressed by Fubara’s conciliatory tone and willingness to collaborate.

A follow-up meeting was held in Lagos last week, with photos of Tinubu and Fubara sparking speculation that reconciliation may be underway. Days prior, Fubara had urged his supporters to refrain from criticizing either the president or Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as a gesture of goodwill toward peace talks.

Changing Political Allegiances

Observers note that Fubara appears to have recalibrated his political strategy, now signaling openness to aligning more closely with the All Progressives Congress (APC). Similar moves have been observed among his peers—Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom—both of whom have shifted their loyalties from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in recent months.

There are unconfirmed reports that Fubara may even be exploring a future alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 elections—a potential development that reportedly unsettles Tinubu’s camp. Adding to the complexity is the rumored reemergence of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who is said to be rallying a new opposition coalition and maintains a discreet but cordial relationship with Fubara.

A Calculated Gamble?

In an apparent move to prevent impeachment proceedings against Fubara by the state legislature loyal to Wike, President Tinubu recently submitted Rivers State’s ₦1.4 trillion budget directly to the National Assembly. This strategic act may have neutralized one of the key instruments of pressure used against the embattled governor.

According to a reliable insider, Tinubu now faces two primary options: reinstate Fubara and risk alienating Wike—a vocal supporter of Tinubu’s 2027 reelection bid—or keep the suspension in place and deepen the constitutional and political controversy.

Stakeholders Call for Swift Action

Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress, believes that all indicators now favor Fubara’s reinstatement. “Mr. President has every reason to bring this chapter to a close. The people of Rivers have made their support clear. What happened to Governor Fubara was unjust,” he said in a recent interview.

He added that Tinubu, as a former governor himself, understands the implications of executive overreach and the value of democratic legitimacy.

Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy

Besides Jonathan, at least two other former presidents are said to have reached out to Tinubu privately, urging a peaceful resolution. Insiders suggest that Fubara’s international and domestic engagements were coordinated under their guidance.

Although no official statement has confirmed Fubara’s reinstatement, those close to the presidency say Tinubu’s recent interactions and subtle shifts in posture suggest that a decision could be imminent—possibly even before the June 18 three-month deadline.

As the nation prepares to mark 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, all eyes will be on President Tinubu’s Democracy Day address. Whether it includes a political olive branch to Rivers State remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the stakes could not be higher.