Publisher of The Boss Newspaper and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dele Momodu, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu not to “kill democracy in Nigeria.”

The appeal, which was made while Momodu was fielding questions during a live television show on Channel TV’s Morning Brief on Monday, was an aftermath of President Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly for six months due to a political crisis in the state.

The journalist expressed his concern over Tinubu’s decision, which he described the move as “worse than dictatorship.”

He added that he was disappointed by the president’s actions, especially given Tinubu’s past fight for democracy.

Momodu stated, “I think it is very unfortunate. I know President Tinubu very, very, very well. Though I’ve not been in the same party [with him] and all that, we were together in exile, and he fought gallantly for this democracy,” he said.

“So a lot of us, co-comrades at that time, are actually very embarrassed that we have a pro-democracy leader in government, and yet what we are witnessing is worse than dictatorship.

“I’m pleading with President Bola Tinubu, ‘Please don’t kill democracy in Nigeria.’ Everybody who loves him will tell him this. I don’t; I’ve not asked him for anything or anything, but we love him for his contributions to the motivation in the back, which is what is going down the drain.”

He also warned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was trying to intimidate the opposition, urging Tinubu not to be misled by those around him, adding that he does not need to intimidate anybody.

“I’m saying it now openly to millions of Nigerians that people are deceiving President Tinubu, and he should not allow people to deceive you,” he said.

“He should just do his job. The only thing that can guarantee a second time is to do your job well. You do not need to intimidate anybody.”

Below is the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi’s statement on the IGP’s reaction:

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has condemned the violent mob action carried out against a group of travelers by a local vigilante group along the Uromi-Obajana Road in Edo State.

The group of individuals, who were traveling in a truck and claimed to be hunters, were found in possession of nineteen (19) locally fabricated firearms when intercepted by the vigilantes, who were not satisfied with the excuse of being hunters to be in possession of such number of arms, concluded they were kidnappers.

Regrettably, without allowing for due process or proper investigation into their claims, the vigilante group subjected some of them to unlawful mob justice, resulting in tragic consequences.

In immediate response, the Edo State Police Command deployed operatives to the affected community, restoring law and order. So far, fourteen (14) suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while a manhunt has been launched for other perpetrators involved in the mob action.

The IGP has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), DIG Sadiq Abubakar, mni, to take over the case and ensure a thorough, impartial, and expedited investigation. He assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will not tolerate any form of unlawful killings or extrajudicial actions under any guise.

The IGP further appeals for calm and urges members of the public to cooperate fully with the investigation. He emphasized that anyone found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law.

Additionally, while condemning the resort to jungle justice, the Nigeria Police Force reiterates that the unlawful possession of firearms remains a criminal offense under Nigerian law. Individuals in possession of unlicensed firearms are advised to report to the nearest police station to surrender such weapons or initiate the appropriate licensing process.

The Force warns the public to desist from taking the law into their hands and encourages the prompt reporting of suspicious activities to lawful authorities.

The Anambra State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for openly praising Governor Chukwuma Soludo over his strides in infrastructural development.

The party, during a press conference addressed by the State Publicity Secretary Dr Valentine Oliobi, said the words used by the minister undermine the efforts of the party (APC) he is serving, which is also fielding candidates for the governorship contest in November.

Umahi, while on a working visit to Anambra to flag off a federal road, also toured some of Soludo’s projects and concluded that the governor will not have opposition in the coming election because of his marvelous works.

Reacting to Umahi’s commendation, Oliobi described it as mere flattery, meant to placate the governor, insisting that in real sense of governance, Soludo has failed the people of Anambra State.

He said: “Ndi Anambra are not carried away by minister Umahi’s sugar coated words for Soludo. In-between the lines of those so-called praises are nothing but a diplomatic way of expressing disappointment, especially as the governor’s newly constructed roads are already washing away.

“What he saw in Anambra is not impressive but underwhelming. His remarks were not a validation of success, but a subtle reminder that Anambra is not where it should be. It is amusing that Soludo and his cohorts are yet to get to read the handwriting on the wall.”

The party also added that such words by Umahi, even though they were not meant to be true racked of lack of discretion by the minister, who knows that he works for an APC government, and that his party is in the race for a governorship election with the same man he is praising.

“Minister Dave Umahi’s unguided utterances were in support of his business ally, Prof. Soludo. Umahi and Soludo have a joint interest in most of the federal road construction in Anambra.

“But unfortunately for Soludo, the days of empty promises are over as Anambra cannot reinforce failure by renewing unfulfilled contracts through another tenure in office.”

Oliobi listed some of the areas where Soludo has failed, saying the State will vote him out in November. The areas listed include: shoddy road contracts, poor economy, failed security and many others.