The political atmosphere in Nigeria has taken a heated turn as Femi Fani-Kayode launches a scathing verbal attack on veteran journalist Dele Momodu. This confrontation follows Momodu’s recent comparison between President Bola Tinubu and the late military dictator Sani Abacha. Fani-Kayode, a staunch ally of the current administration, did not hold back in his response to what he describes as an unfair and bitter assessment of the Presidency.
Defending the mandate of the President
Fani-Kayode argued that the comparison to a military era is not only intellectually dishonest but also a sign of political exhaustion. He noted that the current government operates under a democratic framework that respects the rule of law and constitutional order. According to him, those who cannot find their way back into the corridors of power often resort to extreme rhetoric to stay relevant in the media space.
The former minister emphasized that President Tinubu remains focused on his “Renewed Hope” agenda despite the noise from the opposition. He believes that the economic reforms currently underway require patience rather than malicious comparisons that incite public anger. Fani-Kayode insisted that the President’s track record as a pro-democracy activist makes the Abacha comparison utterly ridiculous and unfounded.
Analyzing the motives of the opposition
The vocal politician suggested that Dele Momodu sounds “tired and broken” because his political calculations did not favor him in the last election cycle. He claimed that the constant criticism from certain quarters stems from a sense of personal loss rather than a genuine concern for the masses. Fani-Kayode urged the public to distinguish between constructive criticism and bitter rants meant to destabilize the national spirit.
He pointed out that while the country faces significant hurdles, the approach of the current leadership is vastly different from the iron-fisted rule of the nineties. The APC chieftain argued that the President engages with stakeholders and allows for freedom of expression, a luxury that did not exist during the military era. He cautioned that using such heavy historical parallels can damage the international image of the country.
A call for responsible public discourse
Fani-Kayode called on veteran commentators to use their platforms to build the nation rather than tear it down with sensationalist headlines. He reminded the opposition that the election season is over and the time for governance has taken center stage. The politician vowed to continue defending the President against what he calls “calculated character assassination” by disgruntled elements.
He noted that the Nigerian people are wise enough to see through the desperation of those who seek to create a false narrative of tyranny. Fani-Kayode concluded that the President would not be distracted by the opinions of those who have lost their political footing. He believes that the results of the current administration’s policies will eventually silence all critics and prove the comparison wrong.
