June 12 Gift: Rivers State Residents Urge Tinubu to Restore Civil Rule, Reinstate Fubara.
By Nzeuzor Jane, Port Harcourt
June 11, 2025
As Nigeria prepares to mark another Democracy Day on June 12, residents of Rivers State are making a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use the occasion as a turning point for peace and reconciliation in their politically strained state. Following the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, citizens say the measure intended to stabilize the escalating political crisis, has only deepened fear and uncertainty across communities. Now, with Democracy Day approaching, they are asking the president to lift the emergency rule and reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as a symbolic and practical gift to the people.
In recent months, Rivers State has been caught in a power struggle between Governor Fubara and factions within the State House of Assembly. While tensions have brewed at the political level, ordinary citizens say they are the ones bearing the brunt.
“Mr. President, this June 12, we beg you, lift the state of emergency in Rivers State and bring back our governor. Let it be your Democracy Day gift to us,” said Madam Grace Iyalla, a retired teacher from Eleme, her voice both firm and emotional.
“Rivers people are peaceful. This fight is between politicians. We should not suffer for their ambitions.”
Iyalla called on President Tinubu to summon all warring factions and issue a national address that reaffirms the federal government’s neutrality in the state’s internal affairs.
“All we want is development, jobs, and peace in our communities—not soldiers patrolling our streets or courts clashing with lawmakers.” She stated.
Chinedu Amadi, a youth activist and community organizer in Obio/Akpor LGA, believes June 12 offers a historic chance for the president to not only restore peace in Rivers but to champion broader reforms.
“Democracy is not just about elections, it is about people having a real say in how they are governed,” Amadi said.
“We want Governor Fubara reinstated. He was elected by the people. Removing him through emergency rule is not democratic.”
Amadi also called for special federal interventions targeting unemployed youth in Rivers State, including vocational training, technology hubs, and business grants.
“We have the energy. We just need opportunities, not police vans.”
At Mile 3 Market in Port Harcourt, a trader Mrs. Joy Opurum echoed the call for June 12 to mark a new beginning, both politically and economically.
“Rivers has given this country oil, gas, and revenue. But in many of our communities, there’s still no water, no electricity, no clinics,” she said.
“This Democracy Day, let the president restore our governor and focus on development—not punishment. Let him show that he stands with the people, not with political interests.”
Elder statesman Ejims Chikere of Obio/Akpor added that the president must seize the moment to demonstrate leadership and uphold democratic principles.
“Let June 12 be a turning point, not just a public holiday,” he said.
“Reinstate Governor Fubara. End the emergency rule. That’s what the people want. Democracy must mean more than just survival—it must stand for progress, inclusion, and peace.”
In the creeks of Ogoni land, environmental activist Tamuno Perewari warned that the ongoing emergency rule is endangering long-overdue ecological recovery efforts.
“When there’s chaos at the top, environmental remediation stops. Oil spills go unmonitored. Communities that were already marginalized get forgotten entirely,” Perewari.
Working with a regional NGO focused on restoration and public health, Perewari said cleanup operations mandated by the UNEP report have already stalled due to the instability.
“You can’t govern the environment with soldiers. We need our civilian leadership restored. Bring back the governor, and let democracy work.”
As the country commemorates the sacrifices that brought democracy, Rivers State residents hope their plea will resonate with President Tinubu, and that June 12, 2025, will mark the end of emergency rule, the return of their elected governor, and the beginning of renewed trust and development.
