Leadnaija
Political commentator and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has launched a scathing criticism against former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, following the latter’s remarks regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s invitation to the recent papal inauguration in Rome.
In a detailed statement released on Sunday, Omokri described President Tinubu as “an asset to Christianity” and accused Lawal of hypocrisy and corruption, citing his involvement in the infamous “grass-cutting” scandal that led to his dismissal in 2017.
Omokri argued that under Babachir Lawal and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, both Christians, Nigeria was cited by the U.S. Congress on February 3, 2017, as “the most dangerous place for Christians in the world,” with rampant killings and impunity. He contrasted this with the current administration, led by President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, both Muslims, under whom the situation for Christians, he claimed, has significantly improved.
However, fact-checks reveal that in March 2025, the U.S. Congress approved sanctions on Nigeria over continued attacks on Christians, contradicting Omokri’s assertion that the international community has acknowledged religious improvements.
Responding to Lawal’s criticism of Tinubu’s presence at the Vatican, Omokri dismissed the claim that the invitation was the result of lobbying and inducement. Instead, he stated that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria made a representation to the Vatican, leading to the President’s invitation.
Omokri also pointed out that top Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, joined Tinubu in Rome and publicly praised the President’s efforts to promote peace and religious harmony in Nigeria. He claimed that leading opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, applauded the President during the event.
Highlighting the security situation in Babachir Lawal’s home state of Adamawa, Omokri noted that Boko Haram attacks in the area have declined under the Tinubu administration. He credited this improvement to the appointment of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, also from Adamawa.
He concluded by questioning the relevance of religious affiliation in leadership, urging Nigerians to prioritize competence over religious identity, and labeling Babachir Lawal “an asset to corruption.”
While Omokri’s comments have sparked reactions across political and religious circles, observers note that religious freedom and security remain key issues in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
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