- Reno Omokri defended President Tinubu’s economic policies, citing a projected 3.1% GDP growth rate and a record-high trade surplus as evidence
- Dele Momodu criticized Tinubu’s spending, urging frugality and highlighting the disconnect between economic theories and the realities faced by Nigerians
Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, has taken a harsh stance against Dele Momodu, a celebrity journalist and social commentator. Omokri followed Momodu’s advice to President Bola Tinubu on Nigeria’s economy in an open letter on Thursday. In it, Momodu urged Tinubu to adopt frugality, noting the dire economic situation in the country.
Momodu’s letter highlighted several concerns: “Nigeria is in big trouble. Our economy has virtually collapsed. And what’s the way out? You’ve been wasting too much money at a time that requires absolute frugality… Please stop this reckless propensity for wasting scarce resources. Purchasing presidential jets, building outlandish monuments, distributing cash as palliatives, etc. are signs of a failed and careless government. If you can curb the excessive spending of your government, you will free up a lot of resources for serious development.”
In response, Omokri defended Tinubu’s administration via his X handle, disputing Momodu’s claims. His post, titled “Response To My Beloved Senior, Dele Momodu: Nigeria’s Economy Is Not Collapsing. Far From It!” challenged Momodu’s assertions with factual evidence. Omokri cited the International Monetary Fund’s projected 3.1% GDP growth rate for Nigeria in 2024 and a record-high trade surplus of ₦6.52 trillion in the first quarter of 2024 as indicators of a robust economy.
Displeased with Omokri’s attack, Momodu emphasized the disparity between economic theories and Nigerians’ lived experiences. He warned Omokri against blind support for Tinubu’s policies and urged honesty to prevent the further deterioration of Nigeria’s economic crisis.
The argument escalated when Omokri accused Momodu of bias, claiming that his magazine had published over 50 articles praising Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state. Omokri wrote, “My egbon Dele Momodu has written over fifty publications praising Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun. And I do not begrudge him that. But is he saying the situation in Osun is better than at the centre?”
Momodu responded, challenging Omokri to substantiate his claim: “RENO. I challenge you to quote the 50 times I praised GOVERNOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE. You’re desperately looking for justification for your TINUBU project. Awaiting your list MR TABLESHAKER…”
Unhappy with Momodu’s response, Omokri fired back, “Haba, egbon! Please go through your Instagram posts. Your social media is virtually a shrine to Governor Adeleke. It is beneath you to deny it. This is a notorious fact! Please, egbon, I make this an open challenge. If you have not used your social media profiles to praise Governor Adeleke at least fifty times, then take me to court! I will meet you there with the documents. I am nothing if not a meticulous record keeper!”
Momodu countered by accusing Omokri of laziness: “I challenge you to post the 50 praises or keep quiet…”
Omokri concluded the exchange with a body-shaming remark: “Thank you for your feedback, sir. It is not that I am too lazy. How can anybody look at me and accuse me of laziness? I am slim, fit and very active in the boardroom, bedroom and newsroom. When you see a lazy person, you can tell by their body.” He also posted a video of himself doing pushups at the gym, captioning it, “Anyone accusing me of laziness should do this.”