As Nigeria prepares to mark Democracy Day on June 12, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore democratic governance in Rivers State by reinstating suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

 

The appeal was made in a statement titled “On the Imperative of Restoring Governor Sim Fubara and Other Democratically Elected Lawmakers Before June 12” and signed by the IYC President, Dr. Alaye Tari Theophilus, in Abuja on Tuesday.

 

The IYC emphasized that its plea aligns with the democratic ideals symbolized by June 12 and is in recognition of President Tinubu’s reported commitment to upholding constitutional order in the state.

 

“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,” the statement read.

 

The council stressed that Governor Fubara was legitimately elected by the people of Rivers State through a transparent electoral process and any disruption to that mandate undermines not only the will of the people but Nigeria’s democracy itself.

 

The IYC further warned that the continued exclusion of elected lawmakers risks eroding public trust and setting a dangerous national precedent.

 

Calling for peace and dialogue, the Ijaw Nation described itself as a patient and democratic people committed to defending their rights peacefully. The council urged President Tinubu himself a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic history to fulfill his promise and restore leadership in Rivers State.

 

“June 12 is not just a date, it is a symbol,” the council stated. “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.”

 

The IYC concluded by urging all advocates of democracy in Nigeria and beyond to support their call for justice and constitutional order in Rivers State.