A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it “anti-democratic.”
Tinubu’s decision, which has sparked widespread criticism, includes the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months amid ongoing political turmoil in the oil-rich state.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Momodu joined a growing number of voices opposing the move.
“I think it is very unfortunate. I know President Tinubu very well. Though we’ve never been in the same party, we were together in exile, and he fought gallantly for this democracy. So, many of us who were comrades back then are actually very embarrassed that a pro-democracy leader in government is now overseeing actions worse than dictatorship,” he said on Monday.
He urged the president to reconsider, warning against eroding Nigeria’s democratic principles.
“I’m pleading with President Bola Tinubu: ‘Please don’t kill democracy in Nigeria.’ Those who love him will tell him this truth. I have never asked him for anything, but we respected him for his contributions to democracy. Now, that legacy is at risk,” Momodu added.
The PDP stalwart also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of intimidating the opposition, cautioning Tinubu to “watch his back.”
“I’m saying it openly to millions of Nigerians—people are deceiving President Tinubu. He should not allow himself to be misled,” Momodu warned.
“The only path to securing a second term is by doing your job well. You don’t need to intimidate anybody,” he concluded.
