Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Dele Momodu, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The 64-year-old called it an attack on democratic principles.
The president’s move, which has drawn widespread criticism, saw the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly for six months amid ongoing political turmoil in the state.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, the Osun-born politician joined a growing number of voices opposing Tinubu’s decision.
READ ALSO: SERAP sues Tinubu over Fubara, Rivers lawmakers suspension
“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] and all that, 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,” said the alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).
Expressing his dismay, the journalist-turned-politician urged the president to uphold democratic values.
“I’m pleading with President Bola Tinubu, ‘Please don’t kill democracy in Nigeria.’ Everybody who loves him will tell him this. I don’t; I’ve not asked him for anything or anything, but we love him for his contributions to the motivation in the back, which is what is going down the drain,” Momodu said.
The CEO and publisher of Ovation International, a celebrity magazine further 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 people to deceive you,” he stated.
READ ALSO: State of emergency: Rivers Administrator suspends all political appointees
“He should just do his job. The only thing that can guarantee a second time is to do your job well. You do not need to intimidate anybody.”
