Nationwide Protest: “Resist Temptations of Full-Blown Dictatorship,” Dele Momodu Writes Tinubu
- The publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, less than a week to the planned nationwide protests
- Momodu reminded President Tinubu of his past as a pro-democracy activist during the military regime
- The PDP chieftain blamed President Tinubu for Nigeria's current woes and noted that although he had succeeded in governing Lagos "a country is much more complicated than a state"
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
Ovation publisher and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to stop Nigerians from carrying out their constitutional rights amid concerns over the planned nationwide protest that will be held from August 1 to 10.
Source: Facebook
In an open letter written to the president and shared on his X page on Friday, July 26, Momodu reminded Tinubu of how he engaged in peaceful protest during the military regime.
The renowned journalist-turned-politician, however, blamed President Tinubu for the current challenges bedevilling Nigerians that have sparked a planned protest to be held nationwide.
Momodu expressed concern over the difficulties faced by Nigerians and noted that President Tinubu's response and approach to governance had shifted.
The PDP chieftain tweeted:
"You contested the Lagos State Governorship election in 1999, and pronto, you won. Since then, you have been in absolute control of a state described as the California of Africa, and possibly the sixth richest economy in Africa. Lagos is a country on its own.... I'm just trying to let you know that you've been a President in Lagos for 24 years before becoming the President of Nigeria.
"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 realise that a country is much more complicated than a State."
Momodu advises Tinubu
Speaking further, Momodu urged Tinubu to seek guidance from civil liberties advocates and to evaluate the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security agencies without resorting to dictatorship.
He said:
"Please Sir, go back to your original friends in civil liberties and seek their assistance. Then, use this opportunity to test the strength, security architecture and combat readiness of our security agencies. Ignore the advice of the hawks in your team. They have nothing to lose since they are mostly beneficiaries of what others died for. Resist the temptations of full blown dictatorship."
Nigerians react to Momodu's letter to Tinubu
Legit.ng captured some of their reactions below;
@Balatic tweeted:
"There has been a lot of accusations that Tinubu never really believed in the June 12 struggle and that he sabotaged NADECO. With his behaviour now, it’s clear those accusations may be quite close to the facts."
@ade0681 tweeted:
"He never said they shouldn't protest but only fear of Anarchy just like what happened in Lagos during endsars."
@SpiceChief001 tweeted:
"He will not listen."
@Capolutiti tweeted:
"History will be kind to you Chief."
Sowore dares Wike over protest
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Omoyele Sowore, the AAC presidential candidate in the 2023 election, disclosed that the trending hunger protest would begin in Abuja.
Sowore's declaration came a day after the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, said the Nigerian capital is not available for any protest now.
Nigerian governments, security agencies and traditional rulers have warned against the protest, citing security concerns.
Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
PAY ATTENTION: Donate to Legit Charity on Patreon. Your support matters!
Source: Legit.ng
