Nigerian journalist and publisher Dele Momodu has voiced strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu's recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In an open letter, Momodu criticized the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials, expressing concern over the potential erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria. ​

Momodu highlighted the importance of learning from historical precedents, warning that those who ignore such lessons risk repeating past mistakes. He also questioned President Tinubu's support for Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, suggesting that this preference undermines the authority of the elected government.

The state of emergency was declared following a series of unexplained fires and explosions at oil and gas pipelines in the Niger Delta region, which have significantly impacted Nigeria's oil production. President Tinubu linked these attacks to political instability in Rivers State and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the interim administrator. Critics, including Momodu, argue that this move threatens democratic governance and accuse the president of using the emergency declaration as a pretext for a power grab. ​

This development has sparked widespread debate about the balance between maintaining national security and upholding democratic institutions in Nigeria.