Reno Omokri has defended his support for President Bola Tinubu, saying the current administration is putting into action important reforms that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had earlier promised.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Omokri, who once worked as an aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, responded to criticism from the media team of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He called their attacks “unwarranted” and stressed that he still respects Atiku despite his backing of Tinubu.
“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 said.
He explained that his support for Tinubu comes from the president’s efforts to carry out reforms that were initially proposed by the PDP. Among these reforms, Omokri listed the removal of fuel subsidies, the floating of the Naira currency, decentralizing power to states, and providing student loans.
“Our goal is Nigeria’s progress,” he noted, stressing that progress should not be limited to any single political party. “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.”
Omokri also drew a connection between Tinubu and Atiku, saying both leaders share roots in the 1989 Social Democratic Party, which he believes makes them quite similar politically.
In addressing questions about his loyalty, Omokri assured that he has never betrayed any confidential information gained during his time working with Atiku. “In the course of working to actualise the vision of Waziri Atiku Abubakar, I have never betrayed confidential information … and I never will,” he said.
He expressed disappointment over the hostility from Atiku’s supporters, calling their attacks “most unkind.” However, he said he would not respond with anger. “I choose to suffer the insults hurled at me without any retaliation. I am only observing restraint out of respect, not out of cowardice.”
Finally, Omokri stated his readiness to continue defending President Tinubu against political opponents. “As long as Obi takes on President Tinubu, I will tackle him,” he said, referring to Peter Obi, a major political rival.
