Dele Momodu, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it “anti-democratic.”
On March 18, President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, alongside declaring a state of emergency due to the political unrest in the state.
Speaking on Channels Television on March 31, Momodu condemned the move, stating, “It’s very unfortunate. I know President Tinubu very well. Although we’ve never been in the same party, we were once in exile together, and he fought fiercely for democracy. Many of us, former comrades, are embarrassed that a pro-democracy leader is now overseeing a situation worse than dictatorship.”
Momodu appealed to President Tinubu, saying, “Please don’t destroy democracy in Nigeria. Those who truly care for him will advise him on this. I’ve never asked him for anything, but we respected his past contributions, which now seem to be fading away.”
The PDP chieftain also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of intimidating the opposition and warned the president to “watch your back.” He added, “I’m speaking openly to millions of Nigerians—people are misleading President Tinubu. He shouldn’t allow himself to be deceived. He should focus on doing his job well. The only way to secure a second term is by doing his job right. He doesn’t need to intimidate anyone.”
Momodu’s remarks reflect growing concerns over the political developments in Rivers State and the broader state of democracy in Nigeria.