Ex Presidential Aide Warns that Denial Could Trigger Instability, Fuel Separatist Agitations
By Rafiyat Sadiq
A Former presidential aide and Social commentator, Reno Omokri, has appealed to leaders and political stakeholders in Northern Nigeria to allow President Bola Tinubu complete his Two Four-Year Terms in office for the sake of national unity and stability.
Omokri made the appeal in a statement posted on his official X handle on Saturday.
He reminded Northerners of their significant role in his life and his father’s, saying he spoke as a friend of the region and a patriot concerned about Nigeria’s future.
“Mutanen Arewa, know how much I love you. God used you to make my late father and I,” he wrote. “Nigeria is a fragile nation. Think twice before sacrificing our unity for personal ambitions.”
Omokri warned that denying President Tinubu a second term, as was done to former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, could lead to instability and unrest.
“The ganging up against Jonathan shook the foundation of our unity,” he said. “It triggered militancy and oil theft in the Niger Delta, which halved our oil production. That ultimately led to two recessions under President Buhari.”
According to Omokri, the economic consequences of that decision were dire, with Nigeria becoming the global capital for extreme poverty by 2018 and topping the list for out-of-school children in 2016.
He noted that President Tinubu has made progress in reversing some of the country’s challenges, highlighting a reduction in national debt from $113.7 billion to $97 billion and an increase in federal allocations to states.
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“The Student Loan Act is already helping students, especially in the North, to return to school. Many have received support for fees and upkeep,” he added.
On the economy, Omokri stated that Nigeria is growing at a rate of 3.4%, while insecurity in the North has reduced compared to two years ago. He also cited major infrastructure projects in the region, such as the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Illela-Badagry Superhighway and the 468-kilometre Trans-Saharan Highway.
Omokri appealed to Arewa leaders to remember that the South has never stopped a Northern president from completing two terms, and urged them not to set a new precedent with Tinubu.
He cautioned that actions perceived as unfair to the South could fuel separatist movements.
“Let’s not make the same mistake that tore apart India, the USSR, Yugoslavia, and Sudan,” he warned. “Let us not create another secessionist feeling like we have seen in the Southeast.”
He concluded by calling for fairness, noting President Tinubu’s loyalty to former President Buhari as a reason the North should reciprocate with support.
“Four years is not forever,” Omokri said. “Let the South complete its turn, and power can return to the North in 2031.”
His post Triggered reactions from Nigerans for and against his statement in the x space .
One user Mahdi Shehu with the username @shehu_mahdi said criticize Reno’s tweet and said “Democracy is not about digital appeal. It is not about blackmail, cajoling, deception or intimidation. ”
“Reno is a joker, blind to history, geography and logic, given to semantics, treachery, double talk and deception.
He added that “Democracy is about numbers and how those numbers are determined by votes, counted and recognition and given to the majority.
“Reno can go and preach that friendship in the church, shrine or mosque where it may make sense to the sentimental.”
Another user Obi of Benue with the user name”Obiabo443756″ said President Bola Tinubu has 95% chance of winning in 2027.”
Another user identified as Our Ancestors with username @Ancestral500 said “In the interest of Yoruba unity and not Nigeria’s unity. Tinubu has already divided Nigeria by appointing only his tribal people into key positions, and promoting tribal politics.”
Another identified as Isa with username @itsaleeyou said” you said it’s not possible ? Now you’re pleading”
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
