Reno Omokri, a self-acclaimed pastor and former presidential spokesman, has sparked controversy after sharing a photo with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Independence Day. This comes as a surprise, given Omokri’s past criticisms of Tinubu.
During the election buildup, Omokri labeled Tinubu a “drug lord” and vowed never to support him. In a lengthy Instagram post, he wrote:
“Culture where money, rather than respect, is the cornerstone is a low culture, that may prosper materially, but will never prosper spiritually or politically… What is money? Something that we will all leave on Earth. That is how you rate a life?”
Omokri emphasized his commitment to principles over financial gain:
“Because you worship money, you also feel that everybody is motivated by money. Like you. Listen to me carefully: Bola Tinubu is a known drug lord (deliberate spelling to avoid you know what). If he is on fire, I will not urinate on him. No amount of money and or post will make me support him.”
Despite his strong stance, Omokri acknowledged:
“If the Supreme Court does not overturn his victory, which I pray they do, I will recognise and accept him as my President on May 29, 2023, and torment him if he toes the path of Buhari.”
Omokri’s about-face has raised eyebrows, with many questioning his motivations. His latest post accompanying the photo with Tinubu reads:
“Spending Independence Day with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. May God bless Nigeria.”
The sudden shift from fierce critic to presidential villa guest has sparked debate about Omokri’s principles and the influence of power and politics.