In a fiery statement, Dele Momodu, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), criticized President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This move, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the state assembly for six months, sparked widespread backlash. Momodu, speaking on Channels Television's The Morning Brief, expressed his concerns over the anti-democratic implications of the decision.
What Led to the Controversy?
On March 31, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political unrest in the oil-rich region. The action came amidst ongoing tensions between political factions in the state, with the president’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in direct conflict with opposition groups.
Momodu's Strong Response
Dele Momodu did not hold back in his criticism of President Tinubu's actions. Reflecting on their past struggles for democracy, he expressed deep disappointment over the perceived erosion of democratic principles under Tinubu’s leadership.
“I think it is very unfortunate,” Momodu said, emphasizing that the president, once a pro-democracy advocate, now seems to be leading the country in an anti-democratic direction.
Momodu added, “Though I’ve not been in the same party with him, we were together in exile. He fought gallantly for this democracy, and a lot of us are embarrassed to see that we are now witnessing a situation that’s worse than dictatorship.”
A Plea for Democracy
Momodu urged President Tinubu not to let the political crisis in Rivers State escalate into a wider attack on democracy. “Please don’t kill democracy in Nigeria,” Momodu pleaded. His message was clear: political power should be exercised in a way that respects democratic norms and values.
Pres. Tinubu, ‘Don’t kill democracy in Nigeria' -- Dele Momodu. pic.twitter.com/8F34m8c0WX
— Naija (@Naija_PR) March 31, 2025
Warning Against Political Intimidation
In his criticism, Momodu also cautioned the president about the dangers of allowing his party, the APC, to intimidate the opposition. He emphasized that a president’s success hinges on doing the job well rather than using forceful tactics to suppress political rivals.
“You do not need to intimidate anybody,” Momodu stated, cautioning the president to be wary of those advising him to take such extreme measures.
The Implications for Nigerian Democracy
Momodu's remarks touch on a wider concern regarding the state of democracy in Nigeria. With political tensions high and the use of state power to control opposition increasing, many fear that the country could be sliding into an authoritarian regime, undoing years of democratic progress.
Conclusion
Dele Momodu's criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers State serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving democratic values. While the political crisis in the state may require attention, any action that undermines democracy could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s future. As the situation continues to unfold, the call for leaders to protect and nurture democratic institutions remains as relevant as ever.
Call to Action:
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