Dele Momodu Condemns Tinubu’s State of Emergency In Rivers, Calls It “Anti-Democratic”

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 includes suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, has sparked widespread opposition.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Momodu said the action contradicts the democratic principles Tinubu once championed.

Momodu, recalling Tinubu’s pro-democracy activism during Nigeria’s military rule, expressed disappointment:

“I think it is very unfortunate. I know President Tinubu very well. We were together in exile, and he fought gallantly for this democracy. Many of us who were comrades at the time are embarrassed that a pro-democracy leader in government is now overseeing actions worse than dictatorship.”

He further warned against failing in governance, especially in matters of democracy:

“You can fail in the economy, and people will forgive you because you’re not a professor of economics. You can fail in other areas, but you must not fail in democracy.”

Momodu pointed out that past leaders like Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo upheld democratic values despite challenges, urging Tinubu to do the same.

Momodu pleaded with Tinubu to reverse his decision, warning that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

“I’m pleading with President Tinubu: Please don’t kill democracy in Nigeria. Everyone who loves him should tell him this. I don’t ask him for anything, but I respect his past contributions. What is happening now is a betrayal of those ideals.”

The PDP chieftain also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using intimidation tactics against the opposition.

“I’m saying it openly to millions of Nigerians—people are deceiving President Tinubu. He should not allow himself to be misled.”

Momodu advised Tinubu to focus on governance rather than political suppression, warning that intimidation is not a path to electoral success:

“The only thing that can guarantee a second term is doing your job well. You do not need to intimidate anybody.”