Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Dele Momodu has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the move as “anti-democratic”.
The controversial decision, which also saw Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly suspended for six months, has been met with widespread criticism.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Momodu joined other voices in challenging Tinubu’s actions, arguing that they contradict the president’s past advocacy for democracy.
“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,” Momodu said on Monday.
He further urged Tinubu not to “kill democracy in Nigeria”, emphasizing that true supporters would tell him the truth rather than mislead him.
“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 or anything, but we love him for his contributions to the motivation in the back, which is what is going down the drain,” he said.
Momodu also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using intimidation tactics against the opposition, warning Tinubu to be cautious.
“I’m saying it now openly to millions of Nigerians that people are deceiving President Tinubu, and he should not allow people to deceive you,” he stated.
“He should just do his job. The only thing that can guarantee a second time is to do your job well. You do not need to intimidate anybody.”
With tensions rising over the political crisis in Rivers State, Tinubu’s decision continues to spark heated debate, with opposition leaders urging a reversal of the state of emergency and the reinstatement of the suspended officials.
