The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has sparked fierce backlash, with PDP chieftain Dele Momodu condemning the move as “anti-democratic” and a betrayal of Tinubu’s pro-democracy past.
The controversial decision, which suspends Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, has been widely criticized as an authoritarian overreach.
Speaking on Channels Television’s *The Morning Brief*, Momodu did not hold back, calling the action a direct contradiction to the democratic ideals Tinubu once fought for.
“I think it is very unfortunate. Those of us who once admired Tinubu’s pro-democracy stance are now embarrassed by what we are witnessing—it’s worse than dictatorship,” Momodu said.
He warned Tinubu against using intimidation and power grabs to consolidate control, stating, “You can fail in the economy, and people will forgive you. But failing in democracy is unforgivable.”
Momodu also accused APC leaders of misleading the president and urged him to reconsider his approach before permanently damaging Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
“I’m pleading with President Bola Tinubu—please don’t kill democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
With tensions rising, critics argue that Tinubu’s actions signal a dangerous slide toward authoritarian rule, raising concerns about Nigeria’s political future.
