Dele Momodu Criticizes President Tinubu Over Economic Hardships and Upcoming Protests

 

Former presidential aspirant Dele Momodu has issued a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu, attributing the current economic difficulties faced by Nigerians to his administration’s policies. In an open letter shared on X, Momodu expressed grave concern over the increasing hardships experienced by ordinary citizens and questioned the President's governance approach.

Momodu accused Tinubu of causing the current challenges, stating, “Unfortunately, things have not been easy for Nigerians (except members of the privilegentsia) since you realized your lifelong ambition. And let me be frank Sir. You caused it all. You did not realize that a country is much more complicated than a state.”

The former presidential candidate lamented the shift in Tinubu’s stance on democratic freedoms, noting that the President's recent remarks suggest a restriction on Nigerians' right to protest. Momodu reflected on his past experiences, contrasting Tinubu’s current policies with the democratic freedoms they both enjoyed during military regimes.

While Momodu denounced the idea of anarchy, he emphasized the importance of addressing potential threats through democratic means rather than authoritarian measures. He drew from his experiences with peace initiatives in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia, advocating for a balanced approach to managing dissent and ensuring security.

Momodu urged President Tinubu to seek advice from civil liberties advocates and critically assess the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security agencies without resorting to repressive tactics. “Please Sir, go back to your original friends in civil liberties and seek their assistance. Then, use this opportunity to test the strength of your security architecture and the combat readiness of our security agencies,” Momodu advised.

He also cautioned against heeding the advice of those in the administration who have personal stakes in the status quo, asserting that these individuals have little to lose while the general populace suffers.

Momodu’s letter underscores the growing discontent among Nigerians and highlights the mounting pressure on President Tinubu as the country prepares for planned protests in response to the ongoing economic hardships.