Hunger Protest: Tinubu’s Advisers Are Majorly Fanatical Cronies From Lagos Who Have Learned Never to Challenge the Master, Says Dele Momodu

In a sharp critique following President Bola Tinubu’s recent address, former presidential aspirant Dele Momodu has lambasted the President and his advisers for failing to meet the core demands of Nigerians protesting against the ongoing hunger and hardship under his administration.

Reacting to Tinubu’s Sunday morning speech, Momodu expressed skepticism about the President’s willingness to make concessions, citing Tinubu’s 25-year dominance over Lagos State as evidence of his unyielding governance style. According to Momodu, Tinubu’s reliance on a “winning formula” that has historically worked for him makes change unlikely.

Momodu specifically criticized Tinubu’s advisers, labeling them as “fanatical cronies from Lagos who have learnt never to challenge the master.” He argued that these loyalists were unlikely to offer any advice deviating from the President’s established rhetoric.

In a post on his X handle, Momodu stated, “As a man who has held an iron grip on Lagos State in the last 25 years, it would be difficult for him to change a winning formula that has worked for him ever since. Also, what did we expect his advisers to be telling him when most of them have been his most fanatical cronies from Lagos who have learnt never to challenge the Master. So it was mere wishful thinking on the part of incurable optimists like me to think he was going to have mercy on hapless and seemingly helpless Nigerians.”

Momodu further suggested what a “sensitive leader” would do in such a crisis. He proposed measures like drastically cutting the cost of governance, scrapping certain ministries, reducing the presidential fleet, and thoroughly reviewing petroleum product subsidies. He also called for immediate action against corruption stalling refinery operations and suggested engaging reputable firms for handling student loans and vocational grants.

In his envisioned response, Momodu emphasized the need for swift and empathetic action to alleviate the unprecedented suffering experienced by Nigerians, advocating for temporary price reversions and prioritizing refinery work.