Opinion
By Valentine Obienyem
ANYONE interested in observing the various shades of sycophancy should take the time to examine Reno Omokri’s antics. Simply because of the prospect of an appointment, he has shamelessly resorted to bootlicking President Tinubu and his wife, Remi.
As if that were not enough, Reno has now turned his attention to licking Seyi Tinubu’s boots. Seyi, who is young enough to be his son! At this rate, it is only a matter of time before Reno begins bootlicking Seyi’s own son.
Recently, he cited Trump as an example of presidents working with their children to justify his sycophantic position that Seyi Tinubu should even become the number two man to his father. However, just because Trump did something does not make it a universal standard. What about the numerous Western leaders who avoided nepotism? If Reno truly wanted to make his argument meaningful, he should have drawn examples from Africa. Leaders like Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo, Idriss Déby of Chad, and Omar Bongo of Gabon worked closely with their children, who eventually succeeded them in office. If these African leaders did it, why wouldn’t Reno support such a practice?
I also hear Reno is lobbying to write a biography of President Tinubu. If that is true, he may soon find himself at odds with individuals like Bayo Onanuga, who are already well-positioned for such tasks. Reno hasn’t even joined Tinubu’s inner circle, yet he is attempting to outshine and outsmart those who are already there. One can only imagine the extent of his sycophancy if he manages to secure a spot within Tinubu’s camp. In fact, Tinubu’s loyalists are reportedly deliberating on this audacious behaviour with growing concern.
I have said it before: many Nigerians are capable of what Reno is doing. The difference, however, lies in integrity. If Reno eventually secures an appointment through his shameless bootlicking, it will not be due to any exceptional talent or potential. It will simply be because he lacks integrity and is willing to do anything for the sake of an appointment.
Desperation is a dangerous trait. When someone carries such desperation into government, it creates divisions and friction among colleagues. Mark my words: this kind of behaviour will only lead to chaos, and Reno’s actions will be no exception.
22nd January, 2025.
C.E.
Tags: Valentine Obienyem
