Prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure, Dele Momodu, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing the action as undemocratic.
Speaking on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Momodu expressed disappointment, stating that Tinubu’s decision contradicts the democratic principles he once championed.
“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 democracy. Many of us who stood by him then are now embarrassed by what we are witnessing—it is worse than dictatorship,” Momodu said.
He further argued that while a leader might struggle in economic matters, failing in democracy is inexcusable. He cited former presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo as leaders who upheld democratic values despite criticisms.
“I’m pleading with President Bola Tinubu, ‘Please don’t kill democracy in Nigeria.’ Everybody who loves him should tell him this,” he urged.
Momodu also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of suppressing opposition voices and warned Tinubu against being influenced by advisers pushing for political intimidation. He emphasized that the best path to securing a second term is by effectively governing rather than silencing opponents.
The suspension of the Rivers leadership has sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing it undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.