Reno Omokri Calls Out El-Rufai for Double Standards in Political Accusations

In a recent social media post, political commentator and former presidential aide Reno Omokri has taken a strong stance against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai. Reno Omokri criticized el-Rufai for accusing his successor, Governor Uba Sani, of orchestrating the abduction and illegal arrest of his former commissioner, Bashir Saidu.
Reno Omokri described el-Rufai’s complaint as ironic, stating that during his tenure as governor, he engaged in similar, if not worse, actions against his critics and political opponents. He accused el-Rufai of running his administration with impunity, abducting critics, demolishing properties, and stifling opposition voices without due process.

Dadiyata’s Disappearance and Other Unresolved Cases

Reno Omokri referenced the unresolved case of Abubakar Dadiyata Idris, a vocal critic of el-Rufai’s government who was abducted in 2019 in Kaduna under mysterious circumstances. According to Omokri, Dadiyata was forcefully taken away by armed men, and to date, his whereabouts remain unknown. He questioned el-Rufai’s moral authority to complain about injustices when such incidents happened under his watch without resolution.
This case, which sparked widespread public outrage, has been a lingering point of contention. Human rights activists and political observers have continued to demand justice, yet no concrete answers have been provided by authorities. Reno Omokri’s comments have reignited discussions on the accountability of el-Rufai’s administration regarding cases of enforced disappearances.

The Ordeal of Audu Maikori and Other Critics

Another significant case cited by Omokri was the arrest of Nigerian music mogul, Audu Maikori. Maikori, who had criticized el-Rufai’s administration, was reportedly arrested in a Gestapo-style operation. The treatment he received was so severe that he later relocated to the United States for safety.
Omokri highlighted that a court eventually ruled against el-Rufai’s government, ordering the payment of ₦40 million in damages to Maikori. This, according to Omokri, was a testament to the former governor’s authoritarian tendencies. The case serves as a reminder of the legal battles faced by individuals who dared to challenge el-Rufai’s policies and leadership style.

Demolitions of Properties Linked to Political Opponents

El-Rufai’s administration was notorious for demolishing properties belonging to political adversaries. Reno Omokri pointed out how the former governor ordered the demolition of Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi’s house and that of Inuwa Abdulkadir, the then North-West Zonal Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Additionally, Omokri mentioned a controversial case where el-Rufai’s government demolished a building under the claim that it hosted a sex party. However, later findings revealed that the alleged sex party was a prank and that the property owner, Aisha Yakubu, was not involved. Despite this, the government went ahead with the demolition, causing public outcry over abuse of power.

Omokri’s Call for Accountability and Justice

Concluding his remarks, Reno Omokri called on Governor Uba Sani to ensure that justice is served if el-Rufai or any of his allies are found guilty of wrongdoing. He urged the current administration to take firm steps in holding corrupt officials accountable, stating that anyone who misappropriated public funds should be made to “vomit their yam.”

Omokri further likened el-Rufai to a “shorter version of Abacha,” warning that Nigeria must never again experience such leadership at any level of governance. His remarks have sparked a heated debate on social media, with many weighing in on the legacy of el-Rufai’s administration and the broader issue of political accountability in Nigeria.