Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has explained why he will never criticize his former boss publicly. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Omokri said his deep personal bond with Jonathan prevents him from speaking negatively about him, especially on national television.
Omokri’s statement comes at a time when there has been much debate over the actions of Jonathan since leaving office in 2015. Many Nigerians continue to reflect on his presidency, both for its achievements and shortcomings. Despite this, Omokri, who was known for his strong support of Jonathan while he served as president, maintains that he holds the former leader in high regard and will not criticize him in public.
“I have unconditional love for President Jonathan, I will not criticize and I will not give an opinion of anything he does on live television,” Omokri said during the interview.
Omokri went on to explain that his relationship with Jonathan goes beyond professional politics. He revealed that Jonathan once spent 10 days with him and his family in California, a gesture that he said solidified their strong personal connection.
“This is a man who came to California and spent 10 days with me and my family. That’s the level of confidence he has in me,” Omokri added.
For Omokri, this was not just a political relationship, but one built on trust and personal friendship. The former presidential aide believes this personal bond makes it impossible for him to criticize Jonathan, regardless of the circumstances.
Omokri’s loyalty to Jonathan is rooted in mutual respect and admiration for the former president’s leadership style. He has often praised Jonathan for his role in promoting democracy and ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in Nigeria in 2015, a time when there was fear of unrest after the election results. Jonathan’s decision to accept defeat gracefully and congratulate Muhammadu Buhari, the then opposition candidate, is seen as one of the highlights of his presidency.
Furthermore, Omokri has been vocal in defending Jonathan’s administration against critics who point to economic challenges and security issues during his time in office.
Since leaving office, Goodluck Jonathan has maintained a low profile in Nigerian politics, although he continues to play an influential role in the African political sphere, often involved in peace negotiations and diplomatic efforts. He has also been rumored to be considering another run for the presidency in 2027, although no formal announcements have been made.
Omokri, who had served as Jonathan’s Special Assistant on New Media, has frequently appeared on television to discuss political matters, but his public praise for Jonathan has remained a constant feature of his commentary.
While Omokri maintains his strong support for Jonathan, he has also made a name for himself as an outspoken critic of current Nigerian leadership. He is known for his frequent social media posts and media appearances where he critiques the policies of the Muhammadu Buhari administration and other political figures. However, his personal connection with Jonathan, which he describes as “unconditional love,” ensures that his former boss will always have his loyalty and respect.
Omokri’s comments reflect the complexities of Nigerian politics, where personal relationships often intertwine with political positions, creating a unique dynamic that goes beyond mere party lines.
