Political commentator Reno Omokri has stirred fresh controversy, accusing former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of selective activism and challenging his record on education and regional development.
In a series of public statements, Omokri alleged that Obi remained silent during the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) sit-at-home orders in 2023, even when they disrupted WAEC examinations across the Southeast.
In contrast, Omokri noted, Obi recently issued a lengthy statement criticizing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for scheduling examinations at 6:30 a.m. in some states due to logistical challenges.
Omokri described Obi’s behavior as “tribalistic,” accusing him of ignoring crises in the Southeast while seizing opportunities to criticize national policies affecting other regions.
Further challenging Obi’s leadership legacy, Omokri cited 2024 VAT figures, stating that Oyo State alone contributed ₦272.4 billion to the national VAT pool — three times the ₦99.5 billion collectively contributed by all five Southeast states (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo).
Omokri linked the Southeast’s comparatively higher poverty rates to what he called “failed leadership” by former governors like Peter Obi, whom he accused of neglecting investment in public education infrastructure.
However, a fact-check conducted by OndoPress News reveals a more nuanced picture. Records show that while Peter Obi did not publicly condemn IPOB’s sit-at-home directives during WAEC examinations, he made substantial investments in Anambra’s education sector during his tenure. His administration was credited with restoring mission schools, awarding grants to educational institutions, and boosting Anambra’s academic performance to national prominence.
Additionally, while Omokri praised President Bola Tinubu’s educational achievements, his claim that Tinubu “built more than 200 schools” during his tenure as Lagos State Governor appears to be an exaggeration. Reports indicate that Tinubu’s administration focused more on rehabilitating and expanding existing schools rather than constructing entirely new ones.
Omokri’s comments have reignited debates over Peter Obi’s political style and record as Anambra Governor, with many observers calling for a balanced and fact-based analysis amid Nigeria’s tense political climate.. CONTINUE READING
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