Warning Issued: Omokri Cautions Atiku Over Tinubu 'Bola' Reference, Citing National Division Risk

Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide and Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, has issued a public appeal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, urging him to apologize to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The call for an apology stems from Atiku’s recent press conference, where he repeatedly referred to the President by his first name, 'Bola,' a practice Omokri deemed disrespectful to the office of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

In an open letter titled ‘Why Waziri Atiku Abubakar Should Apologise To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’ Omokri underscored the importance of addressing the Head of State with the respect due to his high office. He expressed concern that Atiku’s manner of address could establish a poor precedent, potentially tarnishing the image of opposition politics in Nigeria both domestically and internationally. Omokri further contended that such actions might create the impression that Atiku accorded more respect to former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he contested against in 2019, due to their shared northern background and ethnicity, an implication Omokri stated he knows not to be true, yet could divide Nigeria.

Omokri drew a parallel between Atiku’s current approach and his past interactions with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He noted that despite significant political disagreements, including Obasanjo declaring Atiku’s vice presidential office vacant in 2006 and withdrawing his privileges, Atiku consistently addressed Obasanjo by his presidential title. Omokri highlighted that President Tinubu has not subjected Atiku to similar treatment and, in fact, had previously supported him during bullying incidents and offered him a presidential ticket on the Action Congress platform.

While acknowledging the vital role of criticism in a democracy, Omokri firmly maintained that such criticism should not come at the expense of disrespecting the presidential office. “By all means, sir, do criticise the President. That is what democracy is all about. But in doing so, you ought to still give regard to the office he holds. To disrespect that office is to disrespect Nigeria, the very same country you aspire to lead,” Omokri wrote. He further supported his argument by citing an alleged exchange on November 17, 2022, where former United States President Barack Obama reportedly cautioned television host Trevor Noah against addressing him by his first name, insisting on being called 'Mr President.' Omokri argued that this principle of respecting the presidential office should apply even more stringently to a serving Head of State, emphasizing that using proper appellations like 'Mr President' signifies a democrat who recognizes the inherent respect due to the office and the people it represents.

Omokri suggested that Atiku could have effectively delivered his criticisms while addressing President Tinubu with his full official titles, including President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He also reminded Atiku of an incident in November 2022, where Atiku himself reportedly accused another politician of rudeness and disrespect, demanding an apology. This incident, Omokri pointed out, serves as an example of the importance Atiku places on being treated with respect. Concluding his appeal, Omokri urged Atiku to acknowledge the error of calling the President by his first name, apologize for the perceived indecorum, and thereby establish a more commendable standard of democratic behavior for younger Nigerians to emulate.