Dele Momodu Urges President Tinubu Not to Kill Democracy in Nigeria

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Dele Momodu, has criticized President Bola Tinubu's six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly, labeling the move as "anti-democratic."

Momodu, who appeared on Channels TV's The Morning Brief on Monday, argued that the decision contradicts the democratic ideals Tinubu once advocated. "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, we were together in exile, and he fought gallantly for this democracy."

Momodu expressed disappointment that Tinubu, a pro-democracy leader, is now exhibiting authoritarian tendencies. "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 emphasized that while failure in other areas can be forgiven, failure in democracy is unacceptable. "You can fail in economy, no problem; people will forgive you and say you're not a professor of economics. You can fail in other areas, but don't fail in democracy."

Momodu urged Tinubu to reassess his stance and reconsider his course of action. "I'm pleading with President Bola Tinubu, 'Please don't kill democracy in Nigeria.' Everybody who loves him will tell him this."

Additionally, Momodu accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of suppressing opposition voices and cautioned Tinubu against being misled by his advisers. "The only thing that can guarantee a second term is to do your job well. You do not need to intimidate anybody."

Momodu's criticism comes after President Tinubu suspended the Rivers State Governor and lawmakers for six months, sparking widespread condemnation from opposition parties and civil society groups