Dele Momodu, the esteemed publisher of Ovation Magazine, has placed the blame for the ongoing challenges currently afflicting Nigerians squarely on the shoulders of President Bola Tinubu. These challenges have led to a planned nationwide protest that aims to address the grievances of the populace. In an open letter directed to the president and shared on the social media platform X, Momodu articulated his deep concern regarding the hardships that ordinary Nigerians are enduring. He also expressed his apprehension about the perception that the President’s approach to governance has taken a troubling turn.
Momodu lamented that, regrettably, life has become increasingly difficult for Nigerians, with the exception of a select few who belong to the privileged elite, since President Tinubu achieved his long-cherished ambition of assuming the presidency. He candidly stated that the current state of affairs is a direct result of the President’s actions, emphasizing that governing a country is far more complex than managing a single state.
The publisher went on to express his dismay and embarrassment at witnessing a leader who once championed democracy now proclaiming that Nigerians would not be permitted to gather and express their dissent in public demonstrations. He reminded the President that both of them had enjoyed the right to protest during the military regimes, both within the country and abroad.
While Momodu made it clear that he does not support anarchy in any form, he firmly believes in the necessity of managing potential threats to peace and stability without undermining the fundamental democratic rights of citizens. He reflected on his past experiences in peace initiatives across Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia, reinforcing his commitment to non-violent resolutions and dialogue.
In his letter, Momodu urged President Tinubu to reconnect with his original allies in the civil liberties community and to seek their guidance in navigating the current challenges. He emphasized the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security agencies, advocating for a careful assessment of their capabilities without resorting to authoritarian measures that could further erode democratic freedoms.
He implored the President to heed the advice of civil liberties advocates and to take this moment as an opportunity to rigorously test the strength, security architecture, and combat readiness of the nation’s security forces.
Momodu cautioned the President against listening to the hawkish members of his team, who he described as individuals with little to lose, as they are primarily beneficiaries of the sacrifices made by others who fought for democracy and justice. He urged the President to resist the allure of embracing a full-blown dictatorship, reminding him that he is in the thoughts and prayers of many as he navigates the heavy burdens of leadership during these tumultuous times.
