June 12 Democracy Day: IYC Urges Tinubu to End Rivers State ‘Emergency Rule’, Reinstate Fubara
Abuja, Nigeria – As Nigeria approaches its annual Democracy Day on June 12, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has issued a powerful call to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to use the symbolic occasion to restore full democratic governance in Rivers State.
Specifically, the IYC implores President Tinubu to reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara and all duly elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, arguing that such an action would strongly demonstrate his administration’s commitment to democratic values and the rule of law.
The appeal from the IYC President, Theophilus Alaye, delivered in a statement released on Tuesday, comes amidst a protracted political crisis in Rivers State, primarily stemming from a deep-seated standoff between the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
According to the IYC’s statement as presented in the source text, the political upheaval intensified following actions they link to the presidency, initiating what they term an “emergency rule.” The IYC statement references President Tinubu’s reported declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, which, according to their account, prompted the suspension of Governor Fubara and the State House of Assembly, and the alleged appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd) as a sole administrator for a six-month period.
While the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors are reportedly challenging perceived presidential actions in court, recent meetings involving President Tinubu, Minister Wike, and Governor Fubara have been seen as initial steps toward potential reconciliation.
Theophilus Alaye emphasised that reinstating the elected officials in Rivers State is crucial for sending a clear message about Nigeria’s adherence to the rule of law and democratic principles. He warned that deviating from the electoral mandate not only constitutes a betrayal of the will of the Rivers people but also significantly weakens the very foundations of the nation’s democracy.
“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,” Alaye stated.
He continued, “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.”
Alaye further noted that sidelining elected representatives erodes public confidence in governance and establishes a dangerous precedent that Nigeria cannot afford.
In his concluding remarks as quoted in the source text, Alaye also referenced a “reported commitment” by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore 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, suggesting that the council is looking for a commitment to this timeline.
The IYC’s call underscores the heightened tensions surrounding the political situation in Rivers State and places the resolution firmly on the national stage, linking it directly to the significance of Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
