Dele Momodu
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Dele Momodu, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. Momodu described the move as “anti-democratic” and a betrayal of the democratic ideals Tinubu once championed.
Speaking on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Momodu expressed disappointment in Tinubu’s actions, stating that they contradict the democratic principles the president had previously fought for.
“I think it is very unfortunate. I know President Tinubu very, very, very well. Though I’ve not been in the same party with him and all that, we were together in exile, and he fought gallantly for this democracy. So a lot of us, co-comrades at that time, are actually very embarrassed that we have a pro-democracy leader in government, and yet what we are witnessing is worse than dictatorship,” Dele Momodu said.
He further argued that while a leader may struggle with economic policies or governance in other areas, failure in upholding democracy is inexcusable.
“You can fail in economy, no problem; people will forgive you and say you’re not a professor of economics. You can fail in other areas, but don’t fail in democracy. You must deepen our democracy, which President Goodluck Jonathan succeeded in doing, which Obasanjo succeeded in doing, despite allegations and accusations of a third term attempt, still managed to hand over power to President Yar’Adua,” he emphasized.
Dele Momodu urged Tinubu to reassess his stance and reconsider the decision, warning that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations. He called on the president to ensure that democracy remains a core priority of his administration.
“I’m pleading with President Bola Tinubu, ‘Please don’t kill democracy in Nigeria.’ Everybody who loves him will tell him this. I don’t; I’ve not asked him for anything, but we love him for his contributions to the motivation in the back, which is what is going down the drain,” Momodu said passionately.
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The PDP stalwart also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of suppressing opposition voices and using intimidation tactics. He warned Tinubu against being misled by advisers who might push undemocratic strategies.
“The only thing that can guarantee a second term is to do your job well. You do not need to intimidate anybody,” he remarked.
