Reno Omokri says he publicly withdrew past remarks against President Bola Tinubu, addressing questions during Omoyele Sowore’s trial
Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has publicly withdrawn previous remarks he made against President Bola Tinubu, responding to questions raised during the ongoing trial of activist and ex-presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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Omokri addressed claims presented by Sowore and his lawyer, Mr Abubakar Marshal, regarding his clearance by the Department of State Services for an ambassadorial appointment despite prior critical statements.
“I freely admit that I made uncomplimentary remarks about the then-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, believing them to be true at the time,” Omokri said.
“Subsequently, I discovered those statements were false and publicly withdrew them in writing and on video through multiple platforms.”
Omokri affirmed that he publicly recognised Tinubu as President on 29 May 2023 and encouraged Nigerians to move forward.
He reiterated his support on 26 October 2023, after the Supreme Court dismissed petitions challenging Tinubu’s election.
“I accepted the ruling and changed my position on my earlier claims,” Omokri said.
He also disclosed that he personally apologised to Tinubu in October 2024 during a visit to Nigeria.
Addressing legal arguments, Omokri said Sowore could not rely on statements he had withdrawn years earlier as a defence for later publications, citing Phipson on Evidence.
“Former oral or written statements by any person… may not be given in evidence if the purpose is to tender them as evidence of the truth of the matters asserted,” he said.
Omokri reaffirmed his position, stating, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not, has never been, and will never be a drug lord. I make these statements voluntarily, freely, and of my own volition, and I am fully prepared to testify under oath.”
The statements followed dramatic court scenes on Tuesday during cross-examination of DSS operative Mr Cyril Nosike.
Sowore’s lawyer tendered video clips showing Omokri making critical statements against Tinubu, prompting questions about his security clearance.
The prosecution’s objection to the clips was overruled by Justice Mohammed Umar, who admitted them as evidence.
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The court adjourned the trial until 4 February for continuation.
