Omokri Slams Obi: “Defender of IPOB, Friend of the North?”

Political activist and author Reno Omokri has sparked fresh controversy with a scathing critique of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, questioning his recent overtures to Northern Nigeria.

In a statement posted to his social media platforms, Omokri accused Obi of hypocrisy and selective outrage regarding violent incidents involving the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Omokri, a known supporter of former President Tinubu and critic of the Obidient movement, expressed skepticism over Obi’s proclaimed affection for the North. He asked rhetorically, “Peter Obi now says he loves the North. When did this love start?” referencing past controversial remarks attributed to Obi, including a call for Christians to “take back your country” and a claim that the 2023 election was a “religious war.”

The former presidential aide criticized Obi’s silence on attacks against Northerners in the Southeast allegedly carried out by IPOB and ESN operatives. He particularly referenced Obi’s delayed condemnation of the murder of Harira Jubril, a pregnant Northern woman, and her four daughters in Anambra State in 2022. “It took him a week, and only after I called him out,” Omokri said.

He also revisited Obi’s public defense of IPOB in which the former Anambra governor was quoted as saying, “They are not terrorists… I live in Onitsha, and I can tell you they are not terrorists.” Omokri further pointed to Obi’s refusal to condemn ESN, the militant wing allegedly founded by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, despite their documented involvement in violence.

“Rather than condemn IPOB, Peter Obi said… ‘I meet them and live with them.’ This is the great friend of the North?” Omokri asked, questioning the sincerity of Obi’s outreach to Northern Nigerians.

Known for his provocative commentary, Omokri concluded with a jab at the Obidient movement, predicting they would respond with insults rather than facts. “Just watch the comments section. His Obidients will flock there and insult me. But they will not bring even one fact to disprove what I said,” he wrote.