In an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu via social media platform X, renowned journalist and former presidential candidate Dele Momodu has strongly criticised the president for what he describes as reckless spending in the face of Nigeria’s economic struggles, News About Nigeria reports.
Momodu, who identifies himself as a concerned friend and long-time associate of Tinubu despite being in opposition, expressed his dismay over the financial decisions being made by the current administration.
“Your Excellency, I have decided to write this open letter to you as a concerned friend and brother,” Momodu began.
“As you’re aware, I’m a member of the opposition but you and I have had a long history together. I owe you only one thing, TRUTH.”
He went on to accuse the presidential villa of losing sight of the truth, attributing this to the influence of sycophants who surround men and women in power. “The deification process is often swift and irreversible,” Momodu noted, suggesting that the president is being misled by those seeking personal gain.
“Nigeria is in big trouble. Our economy has virtually collapsed,” he wrote.
He criticised the administration for its lavish expenditures, which he sees as unnecessary and wasteful during such a critical time.
“You’ve been wasting too much money at a time that requires absolute frugality. Please, stop this reckless propensity for wasting scarce resources,” he urged.
Momodu specifically pointed to the purchase of presidential jets, the construction of extravagant monuments, and the distribution of cash as palliatives as examples of what he termed as signs of a “failed and careless government.”
He argued that curbing these expenses would free up resources for much-needed development projects.
Addressing the president’s possible motivations, Momodu suggested that the lavish spending might be driven by a desire to secure a second term.
“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,” he advised.
In his letter, Momodu offered practical solutions, advocating for investments in vocational training for the youth, local agriculture, and educational institutions.
He also criticised the practice of distributing cash through politicians, calling it “unhealthy and unhelpful” and “the height of cluelessness.”
Momodu concluded his letter by cautioning Tinubu about the dangers of surrounding himself with sycophants and failing to enforce discipline.
He singled out Senator Ali Ndume as a trustworthy advisor and warned against unchecked behaviour by political allies such as Nyesom Wike.
“In the name of God, beware of those hero-worshippers at the National Assembly who have turned you into God. NDUME is your best friend. Listen to him. There’s danger ahead,” he warned.
