Nigerian political commentator and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has criticised Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for his recent comments on the ValueJet incident involving Fuji music legend, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate.
Omokri accused Obi of politicising the issue and making false claims that K1 “put hundreds of lives at risk” by allegedly delaying a ValueJet flight. According to Reno, while K1’s actions were wrong, they never posed any safety risk to the flight or passengers.
He stated that it was in fact K1’s life that was in danger, as the pilot allegedly attempted to take off while people were still on the runway. Omokri questioned why the pilot did not observe proper aviation safety procedures.
The incident, which happened earlier this year, drew public criticism after a video surfaced showing K1 involved in a delay on a ValueJet flight. The musician later apologised for the disruption.
Reno went further to accuse Obi of selectively criticising people who are not from the South-East, claiming that the former Anambra governor ignores similar actions by people of Igbo origin.
He pointed to an incident in April 2023 where a supporter of Obi disrupted a flight in Abuja, shouting that “Tinubu must not be sworn in as President.” Omokri claimed Obi remained silent about the event.
He also referenced Obi’s visit to Maryanne Moghalu, who once tweeted, “Invest in Lagos at your own peril.” According to Reno, Obi did not condemn her but instead paid her a visit days later.
Omokri also took a swipe at Obi over the leaked “Yes Daddy” audio, in which Obi was allegedly heard discussing religious strategies with a pastor. He accused Obi of failing to apologise for that controversy, yet now attempting to apologise on behalf of others, such as the recent Ibom Air crew.
In his sharp remarks, Omokri said, “Peter, if you want to be an Igbo President, come out and say it,” adding that Obi’s “one-sidedness against people not of Igbo origin is becoming as glaring as the midday sun.”
Reno’s statement has sparked reactions online, with Nigerians divided over the ongoing war of words between both political figures.
