A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an anti-democratic move.
The controversial decision, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, has sparked widespread backlash across the country.
Momodu, speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, joined other political figures in criticizing Tinubu’s actions, expressing deep concern over what he described as an authoritarian approach to governance.
In his remarks, Momodu recalled Tinubu’s past pro-democracy activism and expressed disappointment that the president is now making decisions that contradict those ideals.
“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.”
He went further to plead with Tinubu to reconsider his approach to governance, warning that such moves could erode Nigeria’s democratic progress.
“I’m pleading with President Bola Tinubu, ‘Please don’t kill democracy in Nigeria.’ Everybody who loves him will tell him this.”
Momodu also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of using intimidation tactics against the opposition. He warned that misleading advice from political associates could be damaging to Tinubu’s administration.
“I’m saying it now openly to millions of Nigerians that people are deceiving President Tinubu, and he should not allow people to deceive him. He should just do his job. The only thing that can guarantee a second term is to do your job well. You do not need to intimidate anybody.”
Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in Rivers State has sparked a national debate, with many viewing it as an overreach of executive power. Political analysts and opposition figures argue that the move sets a dangerous precedent and threatens the country’s democratic institutions.
While Tinubu’s supporters insist the state of emergency is necessary to restore stability in Rivers State amid its ongoing political crisis, critics see it as an attempt to undermine the state government and tighten federal control.
As reactions continue to pour in, it remains to be seen how the situation in Rivers State will unfold and whether President Tinubu will respond to calls for democratic governance and political fairness.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
