Ahead of this year’s Democracy Day on June 12, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has urged President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate his commitment to democratic ideals by lifting the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State and restoring constitutional governance.
The Council, in a statement issued by its President, Dr. Theophilus Alaye, emphasized that as a key beneficiary of Nigeria’s democratic evolution, President Tinubu should use the occasion of June 12 to reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Dr. Alaye stressed that restoring the duly elected officials would reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and help heal the divisions that have emerged in recent times.
“June 12 is not just a date – it is a symbol of the people’s will, the sanctity of the ballot, and the resilience of our democratic journey,” said Dr. Alaye. “We call on President Tinubu, as an icon of Nigeria’s democracy, to fulfill his promise of restoring constitutional order in Rivers State by reinstating Governor Fubara and all elected lawmakers by June 12, 2025.”
The statement further highlighted that any disruption of Governor Fubara’s mandate undermines not only the will of the Rivers people but also the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy. Additionally, sidelining elected lawmakers erodes public trust in governance and sets a dangerous precedent for the nation.
The IYC’s call comes as the country prepares to mark the anniversary of Nigeria’s historic democratic achievements on June 12.
