Reactions continue to pour in following President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly, a move critics say undermines Nigeria’s democracy.
Among those condemning the action is Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Dele Momodu, who cautioned Tinubu against what he described as an alarming drift toward authoritarianism. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Momodu expressed deep disappointment, calling the development “worse than dictatorship.”
“I know President Tinubu very well. He fought gallantly for democracy in exile, yet today, what we are witnessing is an attack on the very system he once defended,” Momodu stated.
The crisis in Rivers State has been brewing for months, largely fueled by tensions between Fubara and his predecessor, now-Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. Many believe Tinubu’s intervention aligns with Wike’s interests, sparking concerns about political favoritism.
Momodu warned that using executive powers to silence opposition could set a dangerous precedent.
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“I’m pleading with President Tinubu: please don’t kill democracy in Nigeria,” he said, urging the president to focus on governance rather than suppressing political adversaries.
The opposition has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of intimidating dissenting voices, with Momodu advising Tinubu to “watch his back” and avoid actions that could damage his legacy.
“He doesn’t need to intimidate anyone. The best way to secure a second term is to govern well,” Momodu added.
The suspension has sparked national outcry, with many calling for its reversal. As political tensions rise, all eyes are on Tinubu’s administration to see whether it will uphold democratic principles or bend to political expediency.