Ola Akinwunmi
In a striking declaration that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape, Reno Omokri, a prominent political commentator and former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has vigorously defended his support for President Bola Tinubu, asserting that the current administration is actively implementing key reforms initially championed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Omokri’s comments, on Tuesday, come as a direct response to what he described as “unwarranted attacks” from the media team of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Despite the apparent friction, Omokri emphasized his continued respect for Atiku.
“There is absolutely no reason for those around Waziri Atiku Abubakar to fight with someone who only has the utmost respect for the former Vice President and has never had an unkind word to say about him overtly or covertly,” Omokri stated.
Explaining his current political allegiance, Omokri attributed his support for President Tinubu to the administration’s execution of long-held PDP policy objectives. “Yes, I support President Bola Tinubu and forcefully so because he is delivering the results we in the Peoples Democratic Party said we were going to achieve: fuel subsidy removal, Naira flotation, devolution of power, and loans to students,” he noted.
Omokri, known for his outspoken views, stressed that Nigeria’s progress should transcend party lines. “Our goal is Nigeria’s progress,” he declared, adding, “It does not matter if the cat is Black or White, as long as it catches mice, and it matters not if the party in power is APC or PDP, as long as it delivers progress for the Nigerian nation.”
Drawing parallels between the two political heavyweights, Omokri highlighted their shared political roots: “President Bola Tinubu and Waziri Atiku are both of the 1989 Social Democratic Party stock, and there is little or no difference between them.”
Addressing concerns about his loyalty and integrity, Omokri asserted that he has “never betrayed confidential information” acquired during his work for Atiku’s vision and “never will.” He further challenged any claims of profiting from such confidences, either privately or publicly, after the 2023 elections.
Expressing disappointment over the alleged hostility from Atiku’s camp, Omokri stated, “To therefore attack me, when I have never even as much as said one negative word about Waziri or his immediate coterie, is most unkind.”
He affirmed his decision not to retaliate, choosing to “suffer the insults hurled at me without any retaliation,” attributing his restraint to respect rather than fear.
Omokri concluded by reaffirming his commitment to defending President Tinubu against political adversaries, explicitly stating, “As long as Obi takes on President Tinubu, I will tackle him.” This indicates a continued willingness to engage in robust political discourse in support of the current administration.
