Tension Rises: Jonathan, Influential Allies Push Tinubu To Act Fast On Fubara Crisis Ahead Of June 12

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly spearheading discreet efforts to ensure the reinstatement of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, ahead of the upcoming June 12 Democracy Day celebration.

According to reliable sources cited by Vanguard, Jonathan has already held at least one private phone conversation with President Bola Tinubu, appealing for Fubara’s return to office in the interest of national reconciliation and the preservation of democratic values.

One source familiar with the situation noted, “Beyond Jonathan’s intervention, at least two other former presidents have expressed concerns over the matter.”

It is believed that Jonathan also played a key role in facilitating Fubara’s two recent visits to the Presidential Villa, alongside other influential political figures working behind the scenes to reverse the suspension.

“The president’s recent demeanor suggests that Fubara could be reinstated earlier than the six-month timeline initially announced,” the source added.

President Tinubu is expected to deliver a national address on June 12, which marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

On March 18, Tinubu announced a six-month suspension of Governor Fubara—a decision that drew widespread condemnation and was viewed by many as unconstitutional.

Legal experts and opposition voices quickly pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution does not empower the president to suspend or remove an elected governor, except under a formal declaration of a state of emergency (Section 305) or through impeachment by the State House of Assembly (Section 188).

Despite these constitutional concerns, Tinubu’s decision—backed by the National Assembly—also suspended Fubara’s deputy and several lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The political crisis stems from an intense power struggle between Fubara and Wike over control of the state’s PDP structure and key appointments.

Many had expected Tinubu to lift the suspension during his May 29 anniversary speech marking his second year in office, but no such announcement was made. Attention has now shifted to June 12, with growing anticipation of a possible reconciliation gesture from the presidency.

As the nation prepares to commemorate June 12, 1993—honouring figures like Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Pa Alfred Rewane—concerns continue to mount about the democratic situation in Rivers State.

In his 2023 Democracy Day speech, Tinubu had declared:

“No matter its imperfections, democracy remains the best form of government. As President, I am morally and constitutionally bound to safeguard it. I will do all I can to protect your rights and freedoms.”

Analysts now argue that Tinubu’s handling of the Rivers State crisis will serve as a litmus test for that commitment. Since March 18, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retd.) has served as sole administrator of Rivers State. His interim control is expected to last until September unless President Tinubu lifts the suspension sooner.

With nearly three months of emergency rule already elapsed, the president is under growing pressure to show that his government upholds the democratic ideals for which June 12’s heroes fought—and died.