The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has called on President Bola Tinubu to use the symbolic occasion of Democracy Day on June 12 to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and all duly elected lawmakers.

This follows Tinubu’s March 18 declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State amid political tensions between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara, which led to the suspension of the governor and state assembly. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd) was appointed sole administrator for six months.

In a statement on Tuesday, IYC President Theophilus Alaye urged Tinubu to uphold democratic principles by restoring constitutional order. He warned that undermining the electoral mandate threatens Nigeria’s democracy and erodes public trust in governance.

Alaye said June 12 should symbolize respect for the people’s will and democratic values, adding that while the Ijaw people remain committed to peace and dialogue, they are ready to defend their democratic rights if necessary.