The war of words between a former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, and Reno Omokri, a former aide of ex-President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, on Saturday, over the suspension and detention of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, degenerated into insults and illustrates the mixed reactions of Nigerians toward the issue.
Omokri blasted Sani for dramatising the CBN governor’s ordeal in the hands of the Department of State Service, DSS, and disclosed how he personally fought for the former senator when the latter was arrested by the Economic Financial Crime Commission, EFCC and couldn’t defend himself of the allegations levied against him.
“I tackled the El-Rufais when he (Sani) was in EFCC’s Detention,” he said, noting that It is more honourable to make allegations when the suspect is in a position to defend himself.
In his words, “Senator, don’t you think it is in bad taste to kick a man while he is down? Godwin Emefiele is under detention and cannot respond to your allegations. You know how Nigerians love drama without evidence, and you are feeding that.
“The man made powerful enemies with the Naira redesign policy, which was meant to clean up our elections, and they are now in a position to deal with him. He is already carrying an elephant on his head. Please don’t add a goat to the load he is carrying.
“Remember when the EFCC arrested you? I fought for you when you were not able to speak. Please Google it. I tackled the El-Rufais, who mocked you. Perhaps a man with your experience should be better able to empathise with Emefiele. It is more honourable to make the allegation when he is in a position to defend himself.”
Sani in his response replied Omokri with Tribune news article indicating he meant what was on the headline.
He tweeted, “Mr Reno, I have never stopped anyone saying anything against me; but whatever I said I can provide evidence. When I say he shunned Senate I mean this
Tribune article.
He further explained with more headlines from different newspapers.
“When I said illegal withdrawals were made I meant this
The Sun newspaper article.”
He said, “When I mentioned DBN, I have this Business Day article.
Omokri in his response said, “Please, Senator, this is not what I took issues with. You accused Emefiele of turning the CBN into an ATM for Buhari’s cabal. That is a weighty allegation that can turn the public against him. No one is saying don’t accuse him of such. But why wait to accuse him only when he is in detention and cannot defend himself?”
