Dele Momodu, who ran for president under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, has recently urged President Bola Tinubu to implement stricter discipline within his administration. In an open letter to the President, dated Thursday, Momodu expressed his concerns about the current political climate, particularly regarding the situation in Rivers State.
In the letter, which was shared online through PUNCH and gleaned from Momodu’s X handle, he directly addressed President Tinubu, stating, “You must enforce Discipline as a leader.” Momodu’s letter criticized Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and now Federal Capital Territory minister. Momodu accused Wike of showing public disrespect towards Tinubu over the ongoing issues with the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. He warned, “Your new disciple, Nyesom Wike, has publicly disrespected you in the Fubara matter.”
Reports indicate a growing rift between Wike and Fubara, escalating tensions in Rivers State. This conflict, if left unresolved, could lead to a serious crisis in the state. Momodu cautioned that urgent action is necessary to prevent further chaos, advising, “You need to sanction him before he throws Nigeria into total chaos.”
Despite being an opposition figure, Momodu presented himself as a concerned friend with a longstanding relationship with the President. He shared his deep worries about Nigeria’s current state and the administration’s handling of pressing issues. In his letter, he expressed grave concerns about the nation’s economy, stating, “Nigeria is in big trouble. Our economy has virtually collapsed. And what’s the way out?”
Momodu criticized the administration for what he perceives as excessive spending during a time when the country needs to be more financially prudent. He called for an end to wasteful practices, writing, “You’ve been wasting too much money at a time that requires absolute frugality. Please, stop this reckless propensity for wasting scarce resources.” Momodu highlighted several examples of wasteful spending, including the purchase of presidential jets, the construction of extravagant monuments, and the distribution of cash as palliatives. He argued that such actions are indicative of a government that is failing and careless.
Momodu suggested that if the President could curb this excessive spending, it would free up significant resources for genuine development. He wrote, “I believe you’re frittering away our resources because you desperately crave a second term. But the best assurance of a second term is Performance.” According to Momodu, Nigerians are not expecting miraculous changes but rather a responsible use of resources. He advised, “Nigerians are not expecting you to turn water into wine but they don’t want you to turn their wines into water.”
To improve the situation, Momodu offered several recommendations. He urged the President to invest in vocational skills for the country’s talented youth, support local agriculture, and upgrade educational institutions. He criticized the practice of giving cash to politicians to distribute, describing it as “unhealthy and unhelpful” and a sign of cluelessness.
In addition, Momodu warned about the influence of sycophants, especially within the National Assembly. He advised the President to be cautious of those who excessively flatter him, writing, “In the name of God, beware of those hero-worshippers at the National Assembly who have turned you into God.” He particularly recommended listening to NDUME, whom he described as the President’s “best friend,” and cautioned about the potential dangers ahead. He reiterated, “You must enforce Discipline as a leader. Your new disciple, Nyesom Wike, has publicly disrespected you in the Fubara matter. You need to sanction him before he throws Nigeria into total chaos.”
Momodu’s letter was more than just a critique; it was a heartfelt plea for a shift in direction. He emphasized the need for the President to focus on performance and the well-being of Nigerians rather than securing a second term through reckless spending and political maneuvering. He stressed that the current approach is harming the country’s development and stability.
By tackling wasteful spending, investing in crucial sectors like agriculture and education, and maintaining discipline within the government, Momodu believes the administration can make a positive impact and avoid potential chaos. The political unrest in Rivers State, highlighted by Momodu, mirrors the broader issues the nation faces, reflecting the need for political discipline and effective governance at the national level.
Momodu’s letter also brought attention to the dangers of sycophancy, warning that those who flatter leaders for personal gain can be detrimental to effective governance. He urged the President to surround himself with honest and constructive advisors who prioritize the nation’s interests over their personal benefits.
Dele Momodu’s open letter to President Bola Tinubu is a detailed critique and a call for action. It highlights the necessity for stricter discipline within the administration, critiques the current economic policies, and suggests practical solutions for improvement. By focusing on performance, financial prudence, and the welfare of the Nigerian people, Momodu believes that the administration can address the current challenges and work towards a more stable and prosperous future. The ongoing political situation in Rivers State serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining discipline and addressing conflicts promptly to avoid further instability.
