Dele Momodu, a leader in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. He described the decision as a threat to democracy in Nigeria.

On March 18, President Tinubu suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly for six months. This was part of his response to the ongoing political crisis in the state, which is a key oil-producing region in Nigeria.

Speaking on Channels Television on March 31, Momodu expressed his disapproval, stating that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was using intimidation tactics against the opposition. He urged Tinubu to protect democracy and be cautious of his actions.

“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, were actually very embarrassed that we have a pro-democracy leader in government, and yet what we are witnessing is worse than dictatorship.

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

Momodu’s comments add to the growing debate over the situation in Rivers State, with many Nigerians concerned about the impact of the political crisis on governance and stability.

“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 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.” he said