Opinion
By Valentine Obienyem
I recently read Reno Omokri’s article titled “Why Peter Obi Has No Moral Authority to Criticise President Tinubu.”Predictably, it felt like navigating through a sycophant’s asylum – a place where logic is abandoned, and self-serving rhetoric reigns supreme. The piece, rather than present a balanced or thoughtful critique, was riddled with contradictions, and an almost comical level of bootlicking. It was yet another example of Reno’s ability to contort his narrative to suit his immediate interests, showcasing an astounding capacity for opportunism disguised as commentary. His article seemed less about addressing real issues and more about currying favour with the powers that be, leaving one with the surety that his allegiance lies with personal gain even if the country burns.
Lest we forget, Reno Omokri, who now sings paeans to President Bola Tinubu as though he were a paragon of virtue, once unleashed a torrent of scathing invective against the very same man when the political winds seemed to favour his preferred candidate. It is both instructive and ironic to revisit those earlier declarations, for they lay bare the astonishing malleability of Reno’s convictions. With the fervour of a man certain of his position, Reno decried Tinubu as a “known drug lord” who, in his words, belonged not in the corridors of power but behind the bars of justice. He questioned Tinubu’s integrity with the zeal of a prosecutor, urging the collection of hair or urine samples to verify allegations of drug abuse – allegations he presented as irrefutable truths, backed by what he claimed were verified court documents from Chicago.
This was no casual criticism; Reno led protests in London, branding Tinubu a disgrace to leadership and declaring his opposition in terms so unequivocal that they echoed through media channels worldwide. In one memorable diatribe, he accused Tinubu of running away in the face of public condemnation, crowing over the supposed success of his #HarassTinubuOutofLondon campaign. His rhetoric was unyielding, his tone righteous, as he cast Tinubu as a symbol of everything that should be shunned in governance. Yet, today, the very same Reno lavishes praise upon Tinubu with an enthusiasm that borders on sycophantic adoration. Such a volte-face raises profound questions about the authenticity of his moral compass, inviting us to reflect on the nature of loyalty and the ease with which principles can be traded for personal or political expediency.
Reno Omokri’s transformation from fierce critic to ardent admirer of President Tinubu offers a masterclass in the art of political shape-shifting. His earlier invectives against Tinubu were nothing short of incendiary, painting a picture of a man unfit for public office. Take, for instance, Reno’s outright accusation regarding Tinubu’s alleged involvement in a heroin cartel. With dramatic conviction, he dared Tinubu to take him to court, boasting of his readiness to expose Nigeria to what he described as irrefutable documentary evidence. Reno’s rhetorical question – whether being a heroin drug lord was not worse than being a “yahoo boy” – dripped with moral outrage, presenting Tinubu as a figure whose very presence on the political stage was an affront to decency.
When Tinubu articulated his ambition to serve for eight years and handpick his successor, Reno’s response brimmed with indignation. He lambasted Tinubu for what he saw as hubristic presumption, accusing him of treating the Presidency as though it were a hereditary throne. His fury was palpable as he posed a rhetorical question dripping with disdain: “Is Tinubu God?” Reno’s critique extended to Tinubu’s disregard for the democratic process, portraying him as a man who had already anointed himself for re-election without consideration for the will of the electorate or the uncertainties of life.
Yet, perhaps the most startling pivot lies in Reno’s professed loyalty. Once an unwavering supporter of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, he pledged himself entirely to Atiku’s victory, portraying this allegiance as absolute and unshakeable. However, once Tinubu assumed the mantle of leadership, Reno’s tone shifted dramatically. He now pledged his vote and vigorous support for Tinubu, invoking God as his witness. The juxtaposition of these two declarations underscores the fluidity of Reno’s convictions, raising profound questions about the motivations behind his rhetoric and the consistency of his principles.
In all honesty, what do you make of such a man? Reno Omokri’s behaviour, for those of us steeped in classical studies, evokes the memory of Alcibiades, the notorious Athenian whose opportunism and sycophantic tendencies made him one of history’s most infamous political chameleons.
Plutarch, in his “Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans”, provides a vivid portrait of Alcibiades, a figure whose charm, ambition, and lack of scruples allowed him to manipulate alliances for his own benefit. Alcibiades was a master of flattery and opportunism, praising and aligning himself with anyone who could further his personal goals. His alliances were never about loyalty to a cause or principle but about leveraging power and influence for his own advancement. He switched allegiances with ease, abandoning old friends and forging new ones whenever circumstances shifted in his favour. Like the reckless Athenian, he also learnt the art of trying to convince be appearing or wearing the clothes of those he is after. Consider what Plutarch wrote about him: “He would often change his manner of life and adapt himself to the habits and customs of those with whom he associated… When he was with the Spartans, he was austere and rigorous and wore their clothes; when he was with the Ionians, he was luxurious and effeminate… He could be whatever he chose to be, and he was never himself, except when he was alone.”
Today, Reno Omokri, like the Alcibiades of old, stands as President Tinubu’s most fervent defender, his zeal for the man surpassing even that of the most dedicated loyalists. His transformation from a sharp critic of Tinubu to one of his most enthusiastic apologists is nothing short of remarkable. However, it would be profoundly naïve to think that this newfound loyalty is driven by genuine ideological conviction or a deep belief in Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria. In reality, Reno’s passionate support is more a tactical manoeuvre than a matter of principle. He wants to secure appointment as if his life depended on that. His frequent publicised trips are also a gimmick to appear as if he were comfortable!
Beneath the surface of his zealous defense of the president lies a calculated strategy. Reno’s constant and often vitriolic attacks on Peter Obi are not motivated by any deep animosity towards Obi as a person. Far from it, these attacks are designed to serve a far more self-serving purpose: to garner favour with the powers that be. Obi, being the most vocal and committed opposition leader in the country, represents the most formidable challenge to the current administration. Reno, ever the opportunist, has identified this and seized upon it. By continuously engaging in attacks on Obi, he draws attention to himself, positioning himself as an ardent ally of Tinubu, someone whose loyalty is unwavering and whose support is indispensable.
His approach is a classic example of political opportunism at its most naked. For instance, on the 3rd of this month, Reno Omokri published another scathing attack on Peter Obi, and the irrationality of his claims raises serious doubts about his motives. How can anyone, with any semblance of reason, fault the President being advised to visit various states and observe the situation firsthand? This suggestion, rooted in common sense, advocates for a leader who is engaged with the reality on the ground, understanding the issues that affect the people. To dismiss such an idea reflects a deeper agenda, one that seems more concerned with undermining a potent voice than offering constructive criticism.
Similarly, Reno takes aim at Obi’s call for poverty alleviation policies that would directly benefit Nigerians, something that is fundamental to any nation’s progress. Instead of championing initiatives that can help uplift the most vulnerable, Reno derides the very notion of policies aimed at alleviating suffering, making it clear that his position is not about the well-being of the people but rather about maintaining a position of favour with the powers that be. In an even more perplexing move, he makes bizarre comparisons involving Tinubu’s and Obi’s children, as though he has no children of his.
Reno’s ability to turn a blind eye to reality becomes even more glaring when he attempts to trumpet fuel availability as an accomplishment, when many Nigerians are unable to afford fuel due to skyrocketing prices. He ignores the fact that filling stations across the country are shutting down because of low patronage. How can anyone celebrate fuel availability when the majority of the population cannot buy fuel again thus tilting towards availability? Moreover, he celebrates foreign direct investments, turning a blind eye to the fact that existing companies are fleeing the country in droves, unable to operate under the current conditions. Reno’s version of progress seems detached from reality, rooted in platitudes that fail to address the pressing issues on the ground.
The ever-shifting positions and sycophantic behaviour exhibited by Reno Omokri are hard to ignore. His criticisms of Peter Obi are not based on principle or genuine ideological disagreements; they are instead a desperate attempt to secure personal gain and favour. If Reno achieves success in his relentless pursuit of recognition, it will not be because of his intellect or capability but rather because he is willing to trade integrity, honour, and principle for personal advantage. This, in itself, is the true tragedy of modern-day sycophancy. For those who truly value leadership rooted in service and accountability, Reno’s career is a clear case of how far one can fall when principles are sacrificed at the altar of personal ambition.
A.I
Jan. 6, 2024
Tags: Peter Obi Reno Omokri Valentine Obienyem
