By Ayomide Otitoju
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dele Momodu, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the move as “anti-democratic.”
Tinubu’s decision, which has sparked widespread backlash, included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months due to the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich state.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Momodu joined a growing number of voices across the country opposing the president’s actions.
“I think it is very unfortunate. I know President Tinubu very well. Though we have not been in the same party, 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 said.
Momodu urged the president to uphold democratic principles, warning that the country’s democratic gains were at risk.
“I’m pleading with President Bola Tinubu—please don’t kill democracy in Nigeria. Everybody who loves him will tell him this. I have not asked him for anything, but we admire him for his contributions. That legacy is now going down the drain,” he added.
APC Intimidating Opposition—Momodu
The PDP stalwart also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using intimidation tactics against the opposition, cautioning Tinubu to remain vigilant.
“I’m saying it now openly to millions of Nigerians that people are deceiving President Tinubu, and he should not allow himself to be misled,” Momodu stated.
“He should just do his job. The only thing that can guarantee a second term is to govern well. You do not need to intimidate anybody,” he added.
The state of emergency in Rivers State has intensified political tensions, with critics arguing that it undermines democratic governance and sets a dangerous precedent for political intervention in state affairs.
