A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s inner circle for not telling him the truth about the dire state of the country.
The PDP chieftain accused President Tinubu’s appointees of misleading Nigerians about the country’s economic condition.
During an interview with Arise TV on Thursday, Momodu alleged that Tinubu’s aides publicly defend the administration while expressing dissatisfaction privately.
Momodu said, “To ask a question ‘is there bad governance in Nigeria?’ I don’t think that is in doubt. Every Nigerian agrees on that. And I say it including the aides of Mr. President who cannot say it in his presence but they grumble behind him. I say it everywhere. He is my friend, he is my big brother and if anybody will deceive him, I will remain the only one who will continue to tell him that you’re surrounded by liars.”
The veteran photo journalist journalist, who backed the #EndBadGovernance movement, lamented the current state of Nigeria, saying, “Nigeria has never had it this bad.”
He offered suggestions on how President Tinubu could address these issues, emphasizing the need for substantial reform rather than superficial gestures.
“What I would expect president Tinubu to do and for him to be able to assure the nation that he means well for the nation. It’s not about throwing money around. I expect Tinubu to say ‘Today, I am merging some of these ministries’ as long as you meet the constitutionally required number of ministries, cut off the rest.
“Number two, all these excesses. Everyday, they are awarding appointments like popcorn. You can’t run Nigeria the way you ran Lagos state. In Lagos, it’s just a state and because it’s a state and a very wealthy one at that, you can afford that. But nationally, the level of poverty in Nigeria does not allow that. Then, all this living large, outlandish lifestyle, you want to buy a presidential jet, you want to build multi-billion naira homes, stop it now,” he asserted.