Former Presidential Aide, Reno Omokri lauded Yahaya Bello, the embattled former governor of Kogi state, for one very specific reason: picking a loyal successor.
This praise, however, comes with a heaping helping of sarcasm. Omokri, during a late-night interview, acknowledged the importance of a governor having a “loyal” successor who can act as a “protector” – a rather interesting way to describe the relationship between a governor and their chosen heir.
Omokri said. “There’s another aspect of it that people need to look at, that’s loyalty. If you are a Governor, no matter how well you perform; if you were involved in choosing, selecting or anointing your successor, and then you fall out with your successor, it says a lot about your person.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Omokri clarifies that he doesn’t endorse Bello’s alleged crimes – a hefty N84 billion missing from state funds is a serious accusation. He even encourages Bello to finally face the music and answer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) who are itching to arrest him.
But wait, there’s more! Omokri throws some shade at the current governor, Usman Ododo, who allegedly helped Bello avoid arrest by the EFCC.
This whole situation has drawn criticism from all sides. Civil society groups condemn the EFCC’s tactics, while others question the use of state power. Omokri himself seems to be caught in the middle, commending a quality (loyalty) that might be a symptom of a larger problem (potential corruption).
So, what are we to make of this? Is Omokri commending corruption or simply highlighting the complex world of Nigerian politics?
