Dele Momodu, a prominent publisher and former presidential candidate, has openly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive. The order withdraws police escorts from Very Important Persons (VIPs). Momodu claims this policy is deceptive. He insists its true aim is to weaken the political opposition.

Momodu shared his strong reservations during a recent appearance on Arise News. He argued that the ban’s rationale is not public safety. Instead, he views it as a deliberate attempt to turn ordinary citizens against wealthy and influential Nigerians. This strategy, he explained, targets key opposition figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“I remember in October 2022 when I foretold the dictatorship that will soon visit Nigeria,” Momodu stated. “I was abused that night, that I’m talking rubbish. I am trained to go behind the scene to find the real stories. Many Nigerians get easily fooled. If you read my press release yesterday, I said it there that we have been fooled again.”

He further elaborated on the alleged plot. “What they are doing is to set the poor against the rich. Whenever you do that, you will get an applause, you will get an ovation. But the truth is that most people are not thinking about the real motive behind this decision.” Momodu suggested this tactic generates popular support while concealing a deeper political agenda.

Drawing on past political conflicts, Momodu claimed similar tactics have been employed before. Influential figures faced intimidation through the withdrawal of their security protection. He questioned the practicality and safety of future election campaigns. “If we start the campaign, let’s say in January… tell me who will risk his life crisscrossing Nigeria without police escorts?” he challenged.

Momodu emphasized that being successful or requiring protection as a high-profile citizen is not a crime. He argued, “There is no country in the world where you don’t have VIPs. And it’s never a crime to be successful. As a matter of fact, those who should lose their security are those politicians in Abuja, not the ordinary man. Not a Dangote, not an Abu Salman.”

He further highlighted the nation’s rising insecurity. Momodu referenced a past kidnapping attempt on billionaire Femi Otedola. Otedola reportedly escaped due to his substantial security detail. “Imagine a time when a kidnapper said he almost got Femi Otedola, if not for his heavy security,” Momodu reminded listeners. He concluded with a stark warning: “When tomorrow comes and events begin to unfold, you remember that only one man warned you that this is part of the plot to suffocate the opposition.”