http://twitter.com/hallmarkmedia74

Hallmark Media, Garki (2025)

07/06/2025

Gabon’s Withdrawal from EU Fisheries Agreement Signals a Turning Point in Africa’s Resource Sovereignty

Libreville, Gabon – June 2025

After nearly two decades of cooperation, the Republic of Gabon has announced its withdrawal from a long-standing fisheries partnership with the European Union, citing systemic imbalances and exploitation that have yielded disproportionate benefits to European fishing companies at the expense of Gabon’s local communities and marine resources.

The agreement, established in 2007, allowed EU vessels to harvest fish in Gabonese waters in exchange for financial contributions aimed at supporting Gabon’s domestic fishing sector. However, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has labeled the deal “lopsided,” arguing that the EU reaped significant economic advantages while Gabon’s returns remained marginal. “Our marine wealth has been extracted for foreign profit while our coastal communities struggle with dwindling fish stocks and limited development,” the President remarked in a recent national address.

A Legacy of Unequal Partnership

For 18 years, the fisheries agreement served as a symbol of economic cooperation between Gabon and the EU. But beneath the surface, many Gabonese fishermen and local leaders raised concerns about the depletion of marine resources, reduced fish availability for local markets, and minimal reinvestment in the country’s fishing infrastructure.

Independent reports confirm that while European companies have recorded millions of euros in profits from Gabon’s waters, many Gabonese artisanal fishermen operate with outdated tools and lack access to basic cold storage or processing facilities. The discrepancy between promise and reality has deepened public skepticism over the long-term sustainability of such partnerships.

Economic and Political Implications for Europe

The termination of the agreement is poised to impact European fishing fleets, particularly those from Spain, France, and Portugal, who have relied on access to West African waters to meet both commercial demands and quota requirements. The EU may face a shortfall in fish imports, rising prices, and increased pressure to find alternative sources—a reminder of the continent’s dependence on African marine ecosystems.

This development also sends a powerful message to other African nations in similar arrangements: the era of passive resource concession is drawing to a close. Europe must now contend with a more assertive Africa—one that is reevaluating the terms of international cooperation and demanding equity and sustainability.

A Call for Pan-African Resource Stewardship

Gabon’s decision underscores a growing consciousness among African leaders regarding the need to reclaim control over natural resources and ensure they serve the interests of local populations. As environmental pressures mount and global demand intensifies, responsible resource management is becoming not only an economic imperative but a matter of sovereignty.

Analysts say the move could inspire a regional wave of policy reforms, encouraging other coastal states to renegotiate or exit exploitative fisheries agreements. If properly managed, Africa’s marine resources could be a cornerstone for economic diversification, food security, and job creation across the continent.

Looking Ahead

President Nguema has emphasized Gabon’s commitment to building a more sustainable and locally driven fishing industry. Plans are underway to invest in modernizing artisanal fleets, training local fishermen, and enforcing stricter conservation measures. There is hope that this bold step will serve as a catalyst for more transparent and equitable international partnerships.

Ultimately, Gabon’s withdrawal marks more than the end of a contract—it signals the awakening of a nation, and perhaps a continent, to the power and potential of its own natural wealth. The challenge now lies in turning sovereignty into sustained prosperity.

Okoye Chukwuma Franklin is a Development Journalist, Education consultant and Executive Director of Hallmark Media Hallmark Media (Commonwealth Africa Journal) Abuja

07/06/2025

FASHION REVOLUTION & SUSTAINABLE TRADE: OKOYE CHUKWUMA FRANKLIN’S VISION FOR AFRICA’S TEXTILE RENAISSANCE

In the dynamic realm of international trade and development, few voices resonate as strongly as that of Okoye Chukwuma Franklin, Executive Director of Hallmark Media (Commonwealth Africa Journal). With a resolute vision and hands-on experience in global textile commerce, Franklin has emerged as a leading advocate for Africa's economic transformation through strategic participation in international sourcing platforms.

In 2018, Franklin led a Nigerian Textile Buyers & Manufacturers Delegation to Intex South Asia, the largest and most influential international textile sourcing show in South Asia, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Representing both the private sector and broader Pan-African trade interests, the delegation under his leadership engaged directly with over 250+ suppliers from 20+ countries, fostering high-level B2B connections and unlocking new sourcing opportunities for African businesses.

International Trade Champion

With years of experience navigating complex international trade environments, Franklin’s depth of knowledge spans textile value chains, sustainable trade systems, and regional economic integration. His efforts focus not just on procurement but on establishing long-term trade linkages that prioritize mutual prosperity. Through Hallmark Media’s platform, he continues to connect African businesses with international markets, providing critical exposure to global trends, suppliers, and innovations.

“Trade is not merely about transactions,” Franklin asserts. “It’s about building systems of trust, networks of value, and ecosystems that empower both producers and consumers. Africa must be part of global supply chains not as a passive consumer but as an active, strategic partner.”

Driving Wealth Creation Through Fashion

Franklin’s approach to trade is deeply rooted in the understanding that fashion is not only a cultural expression but a potent economic driver. By encouraging Nigerian and African textile manufacturers to engage directly with Asian markets, he is building bridges that can fuel domestic production, reduce import dependency, and generate jobs across the continent.

His call for a “Fashion Revolution” is more than an invitation—it is a declaration of intent to transform Africa’s fashion and textile industry from a fragmented market into a coordinated, wealth-creating force. Events like INTEX South Asia provide critical platforms for skill transfer, industrial partnerships, and sustainable procurement strategies.

Sustainability and Future Trade Prospects

As the world pivots toward sustainability, Franklin sees an opportunity for Africa to lead through innovation and ethical sourcing. “We must align with global sustainability goals, not just as followers but as innovators. Africa has the raw materials, talent, and creativity. What we need are platforms, partnerships, and policy frameworks that support inclusive and sustainable trade.”

Through his continuous engagement with international stakeholders and policy influencers, Franklin is shaping a future where Africa is seen as a viable and competitive player in global trade.

Looking Forward

As the world takes note of Africa’s rising influence in fashion and trade, Okoye Chukwuma Franklin stands ready—not only to represent Africa on the world stage—but to ensure the continent reaps the full benefits of the global economy.

Okoye Chukwuma Franklin

05/06/2025

Governor Alex Otti: A Vision of Dignity and Human-Centered Governance in Abia State

In a world where political leadership often leans towards punitive policies and impersonal governance, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Nigeria, is charting a refreshingly humane path—one grounded in compassion, equity, and Pan-African values.

At a recent address to Ndi Abia, Governor Otti delivered a powerful message that resonated deeply with citizens and observers across the continent:

> "If you have money, please pay your tax. But if you don’t, don’t be afraid — we won’t come after you. Instead, we will do everything we can to create opportunities, to give you work, to help you stand on your feet. And when you do, you too can proudly contribute through your tax."

This statement, simple in tone but profound in principle, underscores a new model of leadership—one that places human dignity above fiscal expediency. Governor Otti's approach rejects the heartless bureaucracy that has alienated many ordinary Africans from their governments. Instead, he promotes a relationship between the state and its citizens that is built on mutual respect, empathy, and shared progress.

A New Social Contract

In Governor Otti’s Abia, the social contract is being reimagined. Taxation is not viewed as a coercive obligation, but as a badge of economic inclusion and civic pride. He recognizes that not all citizens are in a position to contribute financially—and rather than criminalize poverty, his administration is committed to fighting it.

This philosophy is deeply rooted in Pan-Africanism—the belief in African unity, self-determination, and the empowerment of the African people. By affirming that the government’s role is to uplift rather than punish, Otti echoes the ideals of visionaries like Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere, who saw governance as a moral calling to liberate and develop their people.

Investing in the People

Governor Otti’s administration has already taken concrete steps toward fulfilling this vision. Programs focused on job creation, vocational training, infrastructure development, and business support are being implemented across Abia State. Youth empowerment initiatives and SME-friendly policies are at the heart of his economic agenda.

But beyond programs and policies, it is his tone—his sincere and empathetic communication—that is winning hearts. In a country often bruised by corruption, insensitivity, and economic exclusion, Otti’s words have become a balm for the weary spirit of the common Nigerian.

A Model for Africa

The Governor’s statement has not only inspired Ndi Abia, but has caught the attention of Pan-African thinkers and leaders who yearn for a continent where leadership means service, and governance is synonymous with care.

Governor Alex Otti is more than a political figure—he is emerging as a symbol of what is possible when African leaders see their citizens not as statistics, but as brothers and sisters, full of potential and deserving of dignity.

In his leadership, we glimpse a future where Africa is governed by compassion, driven by justice, and uplifted by the collective effort of its people. A future where no one is left behind—not because they are poor—but because their government stands ready to help them rise.

And when they do rise, they will contribute. Not out of fear, but with pride.

Okoye Chukwuma Franklin is a Development Journalist, Education consultant and Executive Director of Hallmark Media Hallmark Media (Commonwealth Africa Journal) Abuja

05/06/2025

Igbanke People Rediscover Their Root: A Historic Homecoming to the Igbo Nation

In a momentous cultural affirmation, the Igbanke people have boldly and categorically stated that they are not descendants of the Benin Kingdom. Instead, they have reasserted their identity as part of the greater Igbo nation, rooted in Igbo traditions, values, and way of life.

From language and cultural expressions to traditional ceremonies, the Igbanke community identifies deeply with Igbo heritage. Their mode of dressing, market day system, the revered New Yam Festival, burial rites, kingship structure, and above all, their language, all reflect the customs of the Igbo people.

Reacting to a recent declaration by the Oba of Benin proposing the institution of Enogie (Benin-style chiefs) in Igbanke, the leadership of Igbanke described the suggestion as both laughable and historically inaccurate. They emphasized that kingship in Igbanke communities is hereditary and deeply rooted in ancestral lineage, passing from father to son. The people of Igbanke know their traditional rulers and remain loyal to their own crown—a crown passed down through generations. The community maintains that the Oba of Benin holds no jurisdiction or authority to impose foreign chieftaincy titles on them.

It is important to note that Igbanke is an Igbo-speaking community, although geographically situated in present-day Edo State. The shifting of state boundaries during colonial and post-colonial administration placed them outside the core southeastern Igbo territory, but this did not erase their origin or culture.

As part of a broader unification and renaissance movement among Igbo subgroups, the Igbanke leadership recently embarked on a profound cultural pilgrimage to Aguleri—the ancestral heartland of the Igbo people. This historic journey signified a homecoming and a rekindling of ancestral ties long obscured by geopolitical misplacement.

In Aguleri, they were warmly received by the Eze Aguleri, who performed sacred rites of welcome. The kola nut (Oji Igbo) was broken in honor of their return, and the Nzu (white chalk) was marked to signify peace, purity, and the renewal of kinship. The Eze called upon the ancestors to bear witness to the return of their children and to bestow blessings and protection upon them.

"This is your home. This is your root. This is your family," the Eze declared.

This event marks a significant milestone in the broader Igbo Renaissance, a cultural revival that reaffirms identity, unity, and ancestral pride across the Igbo-speaking world.

Welcome home, Igbanke people. Your journey has brought you full circle—back to your roots, back to your people, back to your heritage.

Okoye Chukwuma Franklin is a Development Journalist, Education consultant and Executive Director of Hallmark Media Hallmark Media (Commonwealth Africa Journal) Abuja

04/06/2025

Benue’s Sorrow, the World’s Silence: As Genocide Unfolds, Governments and Global Powers Look Away

By Okoye Chukwuma Franklin

Benue State, Nigeria – June 4, 2025

The red soil of Ankpali village in Apa Local Government Area bears fresh graves—eleven of them, side by side. One family. Eleven lives extinguished in one night by assailants widely identified by locals as Fulani herdsmen terrorists. They didn’t just kill; they erased an entire lineage, leaving behind the kind of sorrow that cannot be quantified.

No coffins. No dignified ceremony. The urgency to bury the dead amid fear of more attacks eclipsed tradition. Wails of mothers, orphaned children, and broken neighbors pierce the Benue air—but there is no one to answer, no one in power to offer consolation, or even recognition. The massacre, like many before it, is simply absorbed into a system increasingly normalized to bloodshed.

A Pattern Too Clear to Ignore

This is not an isolated tragedy. Over 270 people have been killed in Benue State in just two months. Entire communities have been sacked. Yet, despite eyewitness reports and decades-long patterns implicating Fulani militia in these atrocities, no significant arrests have been made. No prosecutions. No justice.

The silence from Nigeria’s federal government is deafening. More chilling is the reluctance—perhaps fear—of the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to explicitly name the perpetrators. The Chief of Army Staff has since relocated to the state. But again, too late.

There is no strategic ambiguity here. Communities across Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Nasarawa have long documented these attacks—systematic killings, displacement, destruction of farms, and occupation of lands. This is ethnic cleansing. This is genocide in slow motion.

The International Community: Silent Witnesses to Genocide

Where is the international community?

The European Union, the United Nations, and powerful Western governments have all issued vague statements about “communal clashes” or “rural violence” in Nigeria. But when entire families are wiped out in coordinated attacks, such language becomes not just inadequate, but complicit.

The same international bodies that rose in alarm over violence in Darfur, South Sudan, and Rwanda now avert their eyes from Benue. The same powers that preach human rights have failed to even acknowledge that Nigeria’s Middle Belt is bleeding—deliberately, systematically, and unprovoked.

Is it geopolitics? Economic interest? Fear of offending a strategic ally in Africa? Or is it the terrifying truth that African lives—even when lost en masse—simply don’t stir the conscience of the world?

The Cost of Complicity

By failing to act—or even speak—the international community emboldens the perpetrators. The absence of consequences becomes a green light. The Nigerian government’s refusal to name and confront the killers creates a vacuum where impunity thrives.

This is not just a security failure. It is a moral collapse.

The displaced now number in the hundreds of thousands. Farmers are afraid to return to their fields. Children are growing up amid trauma. And survivors carry grief that has nowhere to go because justice, like safety, is unreachable.

This Is Not a Country. This Is a Betrayal.

A country that cannot protect its citizens from preventable, targeted killings ceases to function as a state in the moral sense. When leaders shield killers, remain silent, or deny truth, they forfeit legitimacy.

This is no longer about politics. It is about humanity. Benue is crying. Nigeria is bleeding. And the world is watching—with its back turned.

History will remember this silence. And it will not be kind.

04/06/2025

COAS Relocates to Benue Amid Escalating Violence: Questions Mount Over Government’s Response to Killings

Makurdi, Nigeria – June 4, 2025

In a decisive but belated move, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, on Tuesday temporarily relocated to Benue State to directly oversee ongoing military operations. This follows two harrowing months of relentless attacks across rural communities, which have left no fewer than 270 people dead, thousands displaced, and entire villages razed.

The presence of the army chief is seen as an attempt to reassure the public and strengthen on-ground military coordination, but it has also sparked a flurry of uncomfortable questions and public outcry over the slow pace of response and the persistent security failure in the Middle Belt region.

A Humanitarian Catastrophe in the Heartland

The scale and ferocity of the killings in Benue have left Nigerians in shock. Entire communities have been decimated, with survivors recounting scenes of horror—night raids, gunfire echoing across sleeping settlements, and villages left in ashes. The attackers, often described by locals as Fulani herdsmen militants, have continued to strike with military-like precision and impunity.

Local observers and community leaders allege a calculated attempt to drive indigenous populations from their ancestral lands. They point to a pattern: after attacks, armed groups reportedly seize farmlands, graze cattle, and occupy the vacated areas. For many in Benue—a predominantly agrarian state—this suggests a land-grabbing agenda masked as communal conflict.

The Silence of Leadership

Despite widespread belief in the identity of the perpetrators, the language of officialdom remains frustratingly vague. Notably, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has been repeatedly criticized for avoiding direct reference to the attackers as Fulani herdsmen or terrorists. In his public statements, he has favored broad terms like “bandits” or “unknown gunmen.”

This restraint has stirred accusations of fear, political compromise, or even complicity. “Why is our governor afraid to speak the truth?” asked a local youth leader in Gwer East. “The people dying are our brothers, our parents. If the killers are Fulani herdsmen terrorists, then say so. Stop hiding behind semantics.”

Analysts believe the governor’s reluctance to be explicit may stem from political pressure or fear of stoking ethnic tensions in an already volatile environment. Yet, many argue that honesty and transparency are essential steps toward justice and healing.

Delayed Action and Military Inertia

Another issue dominating the public discourse is the military's delayed intervention. While the Nigerian Army has launched several operations in the past, including Operation Whirl Stroke, locals say that troops are often under-resourced, reactive rather than proactive, and stretched thin across multiple conflict zones.

The COAS’s temporary relocation to Benue, while commendable, raises a painful question: why now, and why not sooner?

“It took 270 deaths in two months for the Army to act decisively,” said an aide to a federal legislator from the state. “That is an indictment of our security architecture. We are dealing with preventable killings, not natural disasters.”

National Implications

The crisis in Benue is no longer a localized conflict—it is a national security emergency. Beyond the death toll and displacement, it reflects deeper issues of land rights, state protection, ethnic relations, and the perceived inability of government institutions to secure all citizens equally.

The federal government must not only strengthen military action but also address the root causes—land use conflicts, weak enforcement of anti-grazing laws, impunity for violent actors, and the politicization of justice. Most importantly, leaders must speak clearly and act boldly. Lives are being lost in silence.

As the COAS leads operations on the ground, the Nigerian public waits—not just for a military victory, but for the answers and accountability that have been denied for too long.

Okoye Chukwuma Franklin is a Development Journalist, Education consultant and Executive Director of Hallmark Media Hallmark Media (Commonwealth Africa Journal) Abuja

03/06/2025

🌟 In a Time of Noise, Choose a Man of Quiet Impact.

They say Dr. Ezechukwu Obiora Patrick is not loud.
They are right.

Because true leaders don’t shout—they act.

While others campaign with empty noise, he’s been building legacies quietly—in the classroom, on construction sites, in town union meetings, and among his people in Uhueme village, the smallest in Agulu but home to great minds.

Like Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, he is calm, firm, deeply focused, and ruthlessly committed to progress.
His hands may be gentle—but his work is like that of an elephant.
---

Leadership is not in volume; it is in value.

As we approach December 2025, Agulu doesn’t need noise.
Agulu needs results-driven visionaries.
Agulu needs a man of discernment, integrity, and discipline.
Agulu needs someone who is already building, not just talking.
---

Behold, Uru ka na Chukwu.

A man with the humility of a lamb and the tenacity of a lion.
From Uhueme—but for all of Agulu.
A silent performer.
A steady hand.
A tested servant.

---

🗳️ Vote Hon. Engr. Dr. Ezechukwu Obiora Patrick

Let action speak. Let Agulu rise again.

03/06/2025

🇲🇱 MALI MEANS SERIOUS: A BOLD STAND FOR SOVEREIGNTY

In a decisive move that has sent a clear message to the international community, Mali has ordered the Swedish Ambassador, Kristina Kuhnel, to leave the country within 72 hours. This strong diplomatic action follows a statement by Sweden’s Minister for International Cooperation and Trade criticizing Mali’s sovereign decision to sever ties with Ukraine — a comment made publicly on social media.

President Assimi Goïta’s administration is reaffirming what every independent nation must uphold: sovereignty, dignity, and self-respect. Mali will no longer tolerate condescending lectures from Western governments, nor will it accept being told how to manage its foreign relations.

Let’s be clear — what "aid" is Sweden really offering Mali? For decades, the West has benefited from Mali’s gold, leaving behind poverty and instability. Today’s Mali is no longer ruled by puppets or dictated to by foreign powers. Mali decides for Mali.

This is more than diplomacy — it’s a statement of liberation.

Okoye Chukwuma Franklin is a Development Journalist, Education consultant and Executive Director of Hallmark Media Hallmark Media (Commonwealth Africa Journal) Abuja

02/06/2025

I've just reached 500 followers! Thank you for continuing support. I could never have made it without each one of you. 🙏🤗🎉

02/06/2025

The Silent Genocide: Benue’s Endless Bloodbath and the Urgent Wake-Up Call for the South East

By Okoye chukwuma franklin

On a tragic night in Ediukwu Ankpali, a quiet community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, death descended in its most brutal form. Armed men, believed to be Fulani herdsmen militia, reportedly surrounded the village and unleashed hours of unspeakable horror—slaughtering men, women, children, and the elderly. According to survivors, no one within reach was spared. Today, Ediukwu mourns in silence as a mass burial is conducted for the victims of yet another forgotten massacre.

This is not the first, nor will it be the last—unless action is taken.

Benue State, part of Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has long been the epicenter of deadly clashes between farming communities and nomadic herders. What initially appeared to be resource-based conflict has evolved into an alarming pattern of calculated violence, often targeting rural communities under the cover of night. And while the political class debates and dithers, lives are lost—entire communities erased.

But this is no longer just Benue’s problem. The ripples of this crisis are slowly but steadily spreading toward the South East, where troubling signs are being ignored.

The South East Must Wake Up

In parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, and beyond, reports have surfaced of communities inviting Fulani herders into their domains, in some cases incorporating their leaders into local security arrangements or community vigilante outfits. While such moves may be driven by good faith, they lack the benefit of historical caution. Some communities, desperate to avoid conflict, have accepted token gifts—cattle, cash, or promises of peace—in exchange for grazing rights. Others look away as influential individuals circumvent existing anti-open grazing laws to protect private business interests.

This is dangerously short-sighted.

Across Nigeria, there are growing allegations and evidence of organized campaigns by armed herders with motives far beyond cattle rearing—land seizure, intimidation, and systematic violence. Ignoring these signs or hoping to appease potential aggressors with integration and compromise could prove fatal for many communities in the South East.

The Role of Governors, Traditional Rulers, and Opinion Leaders

It is time for the South East Governors’ Forum, traditional councils, President Generals of town unions, and other opinion leaders to break their silence. This is not the time for political correctness or patronage-driven complacency. The defense of ancestral land, the security of the people, and the preservation of peace cannot be outsourced to convenience or compromise.

The following steps are urgently needed:

1. Enforce Anti-Open Grazing Laws – Existing legal frameworks must be upheld. No exceptions, regardless of status or influence.

2. Strengthen Community-Based Vigilance – Local security arrangements should be thoroughly vetted and trained. Community vigilantes should serve the people, not external interests.

3. Monitor Land Use Agreements – Any agreement involving land allocation to external groups must undergo transparent community consultation and legal scrutiny.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns – Educate communities on the historical patterns of land-based violence and empower them to make informed decisions.

5. Regional Security Collaboration – South East states must develop a coordinated security architecture to forestall a regional crisis.

End Note: Time Is Running Out

What is happening in Benue today could be happening in Nkanu, Nsukka, Abakaliki, or Orlu tomorrow—if the warnings are not heeded. The silence of leaders today could translate into the silence of once-thriving communities tomorrow.

This is no longer about cows or culture. It is about survival, sovereignty, and the future of a people.

The time for half-measures is over. The time to act is now.

Okoye Chukwuma Franklin is a Development Journalist, Education consultant and Executive Director of Hallmark Media Hallmark Media (Commonwealth Africa Journal) Abuja

02/06/2025

The Dangers of Double Speech: When Hypocrisy Becomes a Brand

In a dramatic turn of events, Reno Omokri — once a fierce critic of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — has not only embraced the current administration but now publicly prays for it to last until 2031. From calling Tinubu all manner of derogatory names to now calling him “our beloved President” and praising the Renewed Hope Agenda, Omokri's complete reversal has sent shockwaves through the public sphere.

This is not the first time Reno Omokri has executed a political about-face, but perhaps it is the most blatant. The former spokesman to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan once positioned himself as a champion of opposition, a defender of democratic ideals, and a voice for the marginalized. Today, many see him as a political opportunist — a man whose convictions blow with the wind of power.

The Real Danger of Double Speech

1. Erosion of Public Trust:
When public figures say one thing and do the opposite, they erode the very fabric of democratic engagement. Citizens become disillusioned. They stop believing in advocacy, activism, and even truth. What is the point of following voices that flip positions at the altar of convenience?

2. Weaponized Influence:
Reno Omokri still commands a sizable following. But with every contradiction, he risks misleading thousands who look to him for direction. This is not just a personal failing; it is a societal threat. Hypocrisy from high places confuses national discourse and undermines the search for real solutions.

3. Normalizing Inconsistency as Strategy:
When figures like Omokri use double speech as a tool for personal relevance, they set a dangerous precedent — that principles can be bought, loyalty rented, and public positions negotiated like market goods. It teaches the youth that survival matters more than integrity.

4. Undermining Credible Opposition:
Genuine critics of government policies suffer when serial flip-floppers dominate the headlines. Omokri’s embrace of Tinubu after years of vilification makes it harder for principled opposition to be taken seriously. His inconsistency becomes ammunition for those who want to silence critical voices.

The Bigger Question: Who Is Reno Omokri Really Serving?

Today he praises Tinubu. Tomorrow, if the winds change, will he disown him too? Many Nigerians now ask: Is Omokri’s loyalty for sale? Is his activism sincere or simply a tool for proximity to power?

For a nation in dire need of principled voices, Reno Omokri’s serial hypocrisy is more than disappointing — it is dangerous. A nation cannot build a future on the shaky foundation of leaders who say one thing when out of power and another when power is within reach.

True leadership is not about aligning with whoever sits in office. It is about standing by truth, even when it's inconvenient. Until figures like Omokri rediscover the value of consistency, Nigerians must learn to separate noise from substance — and never mistake opportunism for leadership.The Dangers of Double Speech: When Hypocrisy Becomes a Brand

In a dramatic turn of events, Reno Omokri — once a fierce critic of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — has not only embraced the current administration but now publicly prays for it to last until 2031. From calling Tinubu all manner of derogatory names to now calling him “our beloved President” and praising the Renewed Hope Agenda, Omokri's complete reversal has sent shockwaves through the public sphere.

This is not the first time Reno Omokri has executed a political about-face, but perhaps it is the most blatant. The former spokesman to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan once positioned himself as a champion of opposition, a defender of democratic ideals, and a voice for the marginalized. Today, many see him as a political opportunist — a man whose convictions blow with the wind of power.

The Real Danger of Double Speech

1. Erosion of Public Trust:
When public figures say one thing and do the opposite, they erode the very fabric of democratic engagement. Citizens become disillusioned. They stop believing in advocacy, activism, and even truth. What is the point of following voices that flip positions at the altar of convenience?

2. Weaponized Influence:
Reno Omokri still commands a sizable following. But with every contradiction, he risks misleading thousands who look to him for direction. This is not just a personal failing; it is a societal threat. Hypocrisy from high places confuses national discourse and undermines the search for real solutions.

3. Normalizing Inconsistency as Strategy:
When figures like Omokri use double speech as a tool for personal relevance, they set a dangerous precedent — that principles can be bought, loyalty rented, and public positions negotiated like market goods. It teaches the youth that survival matters more than integrity.

4. Undermining Credible Opposition:
Genuine critics of government policies suffer when serial flip-floppers dominate the headlines. Omokri’s embrace of Tinubu after years of vilification makes it harder for principled opposition to be taken seriously. His inconsistency becomes ammunition for those who want to silence critical voices.

The Bigger Question: Who Is Reno Omokri Really Serving?

Today he praises Tinubu. Tomorrow, if the winds change, will he disown him too? Many Nigerians now ask: Is Omokri’s loyalty for sale? Is his activism sincere or simply a tool for proximity to power?

For a nation in dire need of principled voices, Reno Omokri’s serial hypocrisy is more than disappointing — it is dangerous. A nation cannot build a future on the shaky foundation of leaders who say one thing when out of power and another when power is within reach.

True leadership is not about aligning with whoever sits in office. It is about standing by truth, even when it's inconvenient. Until figures like Omokri rediscover the value of consistency, Nigerians must learn to separate noise from substance — and never mistake opportunism for leadership.

Okoye Chukwuma Franklin is a Development Journalist, Education consultant and Executive Director of Hallmark Media Hallmark Media (Commonwealth Africa Journal) Abuja

Hallmark Media

07/06/2025

07/06/2025

05/06/2025

05/06/2025

04/06/2025

04/06/2025

03/06/2025

03/06/2025

02/06/2025

02/06/2025

02/06/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category