Leadnaija
Political activist and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has taken to social media to criticise the emerging coalition formed under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as a union of “gerontocrats” with outdated ideologies and no clear agenda for national development.
Writing on his X page on Monday, Omokri singled out former Senate President David Mark, 77, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, 68, questioning their relevance in today’s political landscape.
“Can you, as a Nigerian youth, have any hope in such a gerontocratic party, headed by a man who inspired the headline ‘Telephones Are Not for the Poor’?” he queried, in reference to a widely circulated remark from the early 2000s during the liberalisation of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
Omokri also cited Aregbesola’s controversial education policy during his time as governor, which involved merging mission schools, a move he claims led to religious tensions in Osun State.
According to Omokri, the coalition’s primary goal is not national development but simply to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, without offering a viable alternative vision for Nigeria.
“This is not a pro-Nigerian coalition… it is an anti-Tinubu party whose manifesto is to get Tinubu out of power so they can restore the fuel subsidy that made the elites richer without benefiting the poor,” he argued.
He praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting that Nigeria has recorded significant progress in key areas such as debt management, infrastructure development, and education since May 2023.
Among the achievements he listed under the Tinubu administration are:
- A reduction in Nigeria’s national debt from $108.2 billion to $94.2 billion.
- Improved local government autonomy and tax reforms.
- Over ₦1.85 trillion in domestic debt repaid by 33 states due to increased federal allocations.
- A boost in foreign reserves to $40.8 billion from the $3.7 billion reportedly inherited from the Buhari administration.
- No ASUU strike since Tinubu assumed office.
- Over 600,000 students benefiting from a new student loan scheme.
- Signing of the ₦70,000 minimum wage bill in July 2024.
- A trade surplus of $14.31 billion in 2024.
Massive infrastructure projects including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Ilela-Sokoto-Badagry Expressway, and reconstruction of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
Omokri concluded his commentary by urging Nigerians to allow Tinubu to complete his constitutionally allowed two terms, arguing that stability will allow for further economic progress.
“It is in Nigeria’s best interest to support President Bola Tinubu until he completes his eight years,” he said, suggesting that power could then return to the North in the interest of national balance.
