Former presidential aspirant Dele Momodu has criticized President Bola Tinubu for the ongoing challenges facing Nigerians, which have led to plans for nationwide protests.
In an open letter posted on X, Momodu expressed concern over the hardships experienced by ordinary Nigerians and suggested that President Tinubu’s governance approach may have deviated from what was expected.
Momodu pointed out that while Nigerians at large are struggling, a select few seem to be benefiting since Tinubu assumed the presidency. “Unfortunately, life has been tough for most Nigerians, aside from the privileged few, since you achieved your lifelong ambition. Frankly speaking, you are responsible for this situation. You seem to have underestimated the complexities of governing a nation compared to a state.”
He expressed disappointment that Tinubu, once a champion of democracy, is now reportedly restricting public demonstrations—a right both Momodu and Tinubu valued during the military regimes.
Though opposed to anarchy, Momodu emphasized that managing potential threats should not come at the cost of democratic freedoms. With his experience in peacebuilding efforts in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia, he believes threats can be effectively managed without resorting to authoritarianism.
Momodu urged Tinubu to consult with civil liberties advocates and assess the performance of Nigeria’s security agencies without implementing draconian measures. “Please, Sir, return to your allies in civil liberties for guidance. Use this moment to test the resilience of your security framework and the preparedness of our security forces.”
He advised the President to disregard the counsel of those who stand to gain from the current situation, as they are often beneficiaries of sacrifices made by others.
(DailyPost)