By Ghazali Ibrahim
A statement by Reno Omokri has surfaced dismissing recent comments by Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as attempts to incite ethnic sentiments and gain public sympathy ahead of the 2027 elections.
The statement, which responded to Obi’s recent outcry regarding an alleged court order involving his brother and supposed victimisation of Igbos in Lagos, stressed that Lagos is a city governed by law, not a jungle as Obi allegedly implies.
“The issue with Peter Obi’s brother has nothing to do with lawlessness. Lagos is not a jungle. It is a state and city governed by laws,” the statement read.
Reno strongly rejected Obi’s suggestion that he or his family is being politically targeted under the Tinubu administration, citing the impressive financial growth of businesses linked to Obi.
“Peter Obi is not being victimised or targeted because he contested the presidential election in 2023. If he were, the bank in which he has substantial interests would not be recording a 325% increase in profit under Tinubu.”
He further criticised Obi’s understanding of legal procedures, particularly his comment on the illegality of court orders against “unknown persons.”
“By saying a court cannot issue orders against ‘unknown persons,’ Peter Obi once again betrayed the fact that he is a common trader, not an uncommon leader,” the statement said, referencing multiple case laws in Nigeria and abroad where courts acted against ‘persons unknown’.
The statement also described Obi’s previous condemnation of the Landmark Beach demolition as hypocritical, arguing that ethnic bias was not at play.
It pointed out that prominent Yoruba families, including the Oniru Family, also lost properties to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
It accused Obi of silence when similar or worse demolitions happened in the South-East.
“When the Anambra State Government demolished the head office of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, Peter Obi said NOTHING,” it stated.
“As Governor, he demolished Premier Brewery in Onitsha and other properties, vowing to pay no compensation. Ironically, some believed he did this to protect personal business interests in a competing brewery.”
The statement accused Obi of selectively defending Igbos only when it aligns with his political interests and ambitions in Lagos, accusing him of “weaponising” any legal action involving prominent Igbos in the state.
“His focus and issue are Lagos… Obi is ready to weaponise every legal action and use it to promote his dead 2027 presidential ambition.”
