Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has explained his decision to withdraw his criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing personal investigations, judicial clarity, and influence from a trusted ally.
Speaking on Breakfast Central on Thursday, Omokri, once a vocal critic of Tinubu during and after the 2023 general election, said his change of stance was rooted in facts and a commitment to integrity.
Okay.ng reports that Omokri previously opposed Tinubu over controversies surrounding the President’s academic records and alleged links to drug-related activities. However, a personal investigation in September 2022 and the Supreme Court’s verdict in 2023 prompted a significant shift in his position.
“I met with individuals there; I was given inconsiderable evidence that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu attended, passed his exams, and graduated from Chicago State University. And after that date, I changed completely,” Omokri said.
Referencing the Supreme Court’s ruling on the drug-related allegations, he added:
“The Supreme Court decision said that they’ve looked into the drug issue and he was not a drug convict… it was a conviction against another person, and he was involved only to the extent that he was an accountant for that person.”
Omokri said it would be hypocritical of him to continue making claims that have been legally debunked, especially after previously calling out others for doing the same.
“I had to make a decision that since the court had exonerated him, I cannot continue to criticise him on that issue because I will be like the people I had condemned who are still criticising him on academic qualifications,” he said.
Another major influence in Omokri’s pivot was the appointment of Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser (NSA). According to him, Ribadu, a long-time friend, convinced him of the Tinubu administration’s genuine intentions to reform the country.
“Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and I have had a very solid and strong relationship right after he had been exiled by the Yar’Adua administration. In California, we spent a lot of time together; we were like brothers,” Omokri said.
“He convinced me. After he convinced me, I did a video in his office, and I told Nigerians that as long as Mallam Nuhu Ribadu is in this government, I am going to support this government, and I am going to support their economic policies.”
