Momodu Rejects Personal Attacks, Defends Criticism of Tinubu Administration

The publisher of Ovation Magazine and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has firmly rejected what he described as attempts to silence his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a strongly worded response to pro-government commentators Reno Omokri and Femi Fani-Kayode, Momodu declared that he would not be drawn into what he termed “uncivil exchanges,” insisting, “I do not fight like pigs.”

The statement marks the latest escalation in a series of public disagreements between political commentators and opposition voices, reflecting broader tensions surrounding the current administration’s policies and leadership style.

War of Words Intensifies Among Political Commentators

The dispute began after Momodu criticised the Tinubu administration, prompting separate rebuttals from Omokri and Fani-Kayode. In response, Momodu issued a statement titled “Reno Omokri & Femi Fani-Kayode: A Tale of Two Shameless Friends,” in which he accused both men of attempting to bully him into silence.

He dismissed their criticisms, describing them as “perpetual agents of perfidy” and questioning their credibility. According to Momodu, both commentators had previously made strong negative remarks about President Tinubu, which he argued undermines their current stance in defence of the administration.

Momodu further suggested that their continued alignment with the government reflects opportunism rather than conviction, alleging that their actions reveal a pattern of inconsistency in public discourse.

Momodu :Defence of Personal Conduct and Political Position

In his response, Momodu emphasised a distinction between his approach to public debate and that of his critics. Referencing his upbringing, he maintained that he would not engage in what he considers uncivil or degrading exchanges, stating clearly that he does not “fight like pigs.”

He reiterated that his criticisms of President Tinubu are rooted in principle, particularly his concerns about what he described as “dictatorial tendencies.” Momodu said he stands firmly by his remarks and views them as part of his responsibility to speak out against perceived injustice or authoritarianism.

Drawing from Nigeria’s political history, he referenced past struggles against military rule, including the annulment of the late MKO Abiola’s election, to underscore his opposition to any form of tyranny.

Claims of Private Outreach Raise Questions

Momodu also revealed that both Omokri and Fani-Kayode had, at different times, privately contacted him—either to seek publicity or to apologise for previous public criticisms. He presented these claims as further evidence of what he sees as inconsistency in their public positions.

While these assertions have not been independently verified, they add another dimension to the ongoing dispute and highlight the complex relationships among Nigeria’s political commentators and public figures.

The exchange reflects a broader pattern of increasingly sharp rhetoric in Nigeria’s political space, particularly as debates over governance and accountability continue to intensify.