The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has called on President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and all elected lawmakers in the state ahead of Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, 2025.
In a formal statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, the President of the IYC, Dr. Theophilus Alaye, urged the federal government to end the State of Emergency imposed in Rivers State. He emphasized that restoring constitutional democracy and respecting the electoral mandate of the people are crucial steps that must be taken to demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles.
Alaye appealed directly to President Tinubu, stating that the president, as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic development, should seize the opportunity presented by the Democracy Day celebration to reinforce his dedication to the rule of law and uphold the will of the people.
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The IYC President noted that the removal of a duly elected governor and the sidelining of legitimate lawmakers set a dangerous precedent that threatens the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic system. He insisted that such actions disregard the votes cast by the citizens of Rivers State and erode public confidence in the electoral process.
According to Alaye, reinstating Governor Fubara and the state’s elected lawmakers is not just a matter of political restoration, but a necessary action to preserve democratic integrity and national unity. He expressed hope that the steps taken before or on June 12 would signal a return to constitutional order in Rivers State.
Alaye stated, “As we approach June 12 – 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.”
He further called on Tinubu to fulfil what he described as a “reported commitment” to reinstate Governor Fubara and the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. According to him, doing so would not be a political concession, but an act of justice and statesmanship that reflects the true spirit of June 12.
“Governor Sim Fubara was elected by the people of Rivers State through a transparent and democratic process,” Alaye said. “Any disruption to that mandate undermines not just the will of the Rivers people, but the very foundation upon which our democracy stands.”
He added that the exclusion of duly elected legislators from their roles weakens democratic institutions and threatens public trust in governance. The IYC believes that reinstating these officials would help repair divisions that have recently emerged in the state and across the country.
Alaye also pointed out that the Ijaw community has been monitoring the political developments in Rivers State with “patience and optimism.” He clarified that this patience should not be seen as a sign of weakness or indifference, but rather as a commitment to peaceful advocacy and dialogue in defense of democratic values.
He warned, however, that the Ijaw people are prepared to stand up for their democratic rights if necessary. Alaye stressed that the IYC’s call for reinstatement is rooted in a belief in fairness and a desire for national unity, not political partisanship.
The IYC President concluded by stating that this year’s Democracy Day should be remembered as a moment when justice was served and democracy prevailed over political manipulation. He urged the president to act decisively and promptly to restore order and trust in the democratic system.
As Nigeria prepares to mark another anniversary of its transition to civilian rule, the IYC’s message underscores growing concerns about the protection of democratic institutions and the importance of adhering to the rule of law in the governance of the country.
