Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, has hit back at ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, calling him a “politically adrift” man who wants to stay relevant.
The response follows El-Rufai’s defence of activist Najatu Mohammed who accused National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu of hypocrisy.
background
The controversy is over a TikTok video where Mohammed claimed Ribadu once called President Bola Tinubu corrupt during his time as EFCC Chairman.
El-Rufai doubled down on this narrative, accusing Ribadu of “amnesia” for denying the claim.
Omokri, however said El-Rufai’s stance is baseless, that Ribadu’s 2006 statement referenced all governors generally, not Tinubu specifically.
“Ribadu’s comments were a strategic move to caution public officials, not an indictment,” Omokri explained.
He compared it to the FBI’s “show of force” tactic – using psychological pressure to deter corruption.
“Perception isn’t reality. Ribadu never accused Tinubu of wrongdoing and their subsequent collaboration proves this,” he added.
Battle of Credibility
Omokri didn’t mince words. He said El-Rufai’s frustration is because he’s lost political influence in Kaduna where current Governor Uba Sani has disassociated himself from his legacy.
And failed ministerial aspirations – reportedly blocked by public petitions – have left El-Rufai “bitter and isolated,” according to Omokri.
He also highlighted Ribadu’s integrity by recalling his refusal of a historic bribe during his EFCC days.
“This is a man who risked his life to fight corruption. Attacking him is desperation,” Omokri said.
Political Hypocrisy
Omokri turned the tables by referring to El-Rufai’s past criticism of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari whom he once called incompetent before becoming a vocal supporter.
“This pattern of flip-flopping disqualifies him,” Omokri said.
He challenged El-Rufai to produce the alleged FEC transcripts backing his claims, doubting they exist.
Political fights often take our attention away from the real issues of insecurity and inflation. But this one shows us a deeper problem: the weaponization of past statements to settle scores.
For the average Nigerian, it means we must be careful of statements made by public figures especially during economic hardship.
Credibility and Trust
Ribadu’s EFCC tenure is a benchmark for anti-corruption in Nigeria. Under him, the agency prosecuted high profile cases including governors James Ibori and Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
Imperfect as it was, it was a period of accountability – something Omokri wants Nigerians to remember.
As the verbal war rages on, Nigerians are reminded to prioritize facts over sensation.
Political figures, regardless of party, must be held to the same standards.
For Ribadu, his job as National Security Adviser requires him to focus on Nigeria’s safety – a task that’s being overshadowed by unnecessary distractions.
For El-Rufai, rebuilding trust requires transparency not rhetoric. And for Nigerians? Vigilance is the best defence against political manipulation.
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