Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has publicly defended his support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing the implementation of key reforms that were originally part of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) platform. Omokri’s stance has drawn criticism, particularly from within the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election. However, Omokri insists his support for Tinubu stems from a commitment to Nigeria’s progress, regardless of party affiliation, arguing that Tinubu is delivering on promises the PDP made but failed to implement.
Central to Omokri’s argument is the idea that good governance transcends partisan politics. He highlights specific policies enacted by the Tinubu administration, such as fuel subsidy removal, naira flotation, devolution of power, and student loans, all of which were previously advocated by the PDP. He contends that Tinubu’s actions demonstrate a commitment to these reforms, regardless of the political party from which they originated. Omokri’s focus remains firmly on the positive outcomes for Nigeria, asserting that the political party in power is secondary to the actual delivery of progress for the nation. This pragmatic approach prioritizes results over party loyalty, emphasizing the importance of effective governance over political allegiances.
Omokri further emphasizes the similarities between Tinubu and Atiku, both of whom have roots in the 1989 Social Democratic Party. This shared political lineage, he suggests, minimizes the ideological differences between the two figures and further justifies his support for Tinubu’s policies. He argues that the focus should be on the policies themselves and their potential benefits for Nigeria, rather than on the political figures implementing them. This perspective reinforces Omokri’s emphasis on results-oriented governance, where the effectiveness of policies takes precedence over party affiliations or personal loyalties.
Addressing the backlash from Atiku’s supporters, Omokri expresses disappointment at the “unwarranted attacks” directed towards him, especially given his continued respect for the former Vice President. He underscores his unwavering loyalty to Atiku during their time working together, stating that he never betrayed any confidential information and never sought personal gain from their association. Despite the criticisms, Omokri maintains his commitment to supporting policies that benefit Nigeria, regardless of their political origin. He sees his support for Tinubu as an extension of his commitment to these policies, not a betrayal of his former alliances.
Omokri also addresses the criticism regarding his integrity and loyalty. He emphasizes that his support for Tinubu is rooted in a genuine belief that the current administration is effectively implementing policies that will benefit Nigeria. He reiterates that his commitment is to the betterment of the nation, not to any specific political party. He further underscores his unwavering respect for Atiku, denying any personal animosity or intention to undermine the former Vice President. He frames his stance as a principled decision based on his assessment of the current political landscape and the policies being implemented.
Finally, Omokri reiterates his decision to refrain from retaliating against the criticisms leveled against him. He attributes this restraint to respect, not cowardice, emphasizing his continued commitment to respectful discourse even in the face of personal attacks. He underscores his belief in focusing on the issues and policies that directly impact Nigerians, rather than engaging in personal vendettas or political mudslinging. This stance further emphasizes his commitment to a principled and pragmatic approach to politics, prioritizing the welfare of the nation over partisan squabbles. Omokri concludes by reaffirming his willingness to defend President Tinubu’s policies against detractors, especially those from opposing political camps, demonstrating his commitment to supporting what he perceives as beneficial for Nigeria’s progress, regardless of the source.
