Behind the guise of concern, Chief Dele Momodu’s recent “advice” to President Bola Tinubu on the economy reveals a stunning disconnect from reality, as a closer examination of the facts exposes a trail of selective truth-telling and narrative manipulation that exposes his true nature as a political charlatan.
Open Letter
Chief Momodu, in a terse tweet on his verified X handle on July 18, 2024, said he was concerned about the direction of the country under the leadership of the President as a friend and brother. “I have decided to write this open letter to you as a concerned friend and brother,” the opposition figure stated.
He quickly followed his heartwarming introduction with epithets, warped narratives, and false alarms.
He started by saying Nigeria is in big trouble. “Our economy has virtually collapsed,” he declared. He stated that excessive financial waste occurs during a period that necessitates complete austerity. He added that the government is frittering away resources because of second-term ambition. He also cautioned the President to be aware of hero worshippers at the National Assembly. And finally, he wanted the president to enforce discipline by sanctioning Nyesom Wike over the political crisis engulfing Rivers State.
Fact-based Rebuttal
Reno Omokri’s fact-based rebuttal to Chief Momodu’s letter has been joined by other analysts, who see such passionate exchanges as a hallmark of democracy.
They insist that Chief Momodu’s critiques, however fiery, are a legitimate expression of his rights as a citizen – and a vital part of the democratic debate.
However, some holes have been picked in Chief Momodu’s assertion, especially his suggestion that the President should sanction FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
They described such advice as weak, watery, and witless.
Oladele Salam, a public affairs analyst, offered a candid assessment: ‘Requesting the President to dismiss a high-performing minister due to a personal political dispute is a misallocation of time and resources.’ He explained that conflicts are inherent in regions with valuable resources, citing Rivers State as a prime example, where a long-standing power struggle between established and emerging forces has persisted. Salam argued that Chief Dele Momodu’s open letter fell short of providing meaningful and comprehensive solutions to address the nation’s challenges, particularly regarding the political turmoil in Rivers State.
Responsible Opposition
Samuel John, a public commentator, disagrees with the media personality’s alarmist claims, arguing that the Nigerian economy is far from collapse. He acknowledges that the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, is aware of the country’s economic challenges and has implemented various initiatives to address them. These initiatives aim to tackle underlying socioeconomic issues and unlock the nation’s potential for greatness and prosperity.
John notes that while reforms take time to bear fruit, the President has responded to Nigerians’ concerns through various measures. He highlights the 3MTT initiative by the Communication and Digital Economy Minister, Bosun Tijani, PhD, which is empowering hundreds of thousands of Nigerians with digital skills.
John urges the opposition figure to familiarize himself with the President’s programs and policies rather than spreading speculative sentiments, which have become a hallmark of the opposition in recent times.
