By Valentine Obienyem 

He is an elderly man deeply in love with good governance. He has extended this affection to Mr. Peter Obi because, beyond seeing him as a son, he admires what Gen Z would call his political  “vibes,” delivered with “steeze.” To him, Obi represents an extension of the ideals of good governance he has always cherished.

As soon as I left the church where I joined Profs. Stella Chinyere Okunna and Patrick Obi to celebrate the 60th birthday of one of the most outspoken bishops in Nigeria, Bishop Ephraim Ikeakor, I switched on my phone and saw his messages waiting for me.

The first read: “This is what we fear most  – how can this buffoon called Reno Omokri simply walk up to Peter Obi at the airport and shake hands with him after mildly calling him ‘Mr Obi’? PO’s personal security is too loose for comfort. Omokri is too dangerous and too disrespectful to get near any decent person. We are taking so many things for granted. Please.Unless, of course, someone wants to convince me that the video is AI. Good evening as I leave for Evening Mass. Ndewo!”

Apparently still disturbed, he sent another message showing he forwarded the disturbing meeting to an expert for analysis. He sent the expert’s reaction: “Nna anyi ukwu, it’s not AI. I sent this video to some security experts. They had a good laugh and advised that PO should better get serious with his security.”

I replied: “Good evening sir. You know at that point there was hardly anything anyone could have done. I assure you that he is usually fully alert at all times.”

Relieved, he responded: “Good. This is heartwarming. Daalu rinne.”

It was clear that many Nigerians experienced what my mentor, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, would call “psychic encumbrances” after watching that episode, because it was part of planned show by Reno Omokiri. 

Having followed Reno Omokri’s actions over time, many people believe there is only a thin line between thought and action and that, overcome by emotion, he might attempt something ridiculous. I understand their apprehension. If, as the saying goes, from the sublime to the ridiculous is but a step, then from paid mischief to reckless action may be even less than a step.

Yet, at every point, Mr. Peter Obi showed himself superior to his environment. Did you see how calmly he used his abundant wisdom to subdue whatever was Reno’s plan – intrigue stretched to the bursting point? 

Watching the clip carefully, it was obvious that upon sighting Obi, Reno told those with him that he wanted a clip he could later use to embarrass him. The manner in which he shouted from a distance, “Mr. Obi, how are you?” revealed the performance. Is that the natural reflex of someone greeting another person casually at an airport? It was clearly a gimmick designed to attract attention and create a scene.

After the perfunctory handshake, he patted Obi on the shoulder. Have we seen him patting Bola Ahmed Tinubu or other powerful figures in the same manner? Is it a  the younger person that should show that level of familiarity to an elder, and or vice versa?

The truth is that he probably expected Obi not to shake his hand, so he could go to town speaking about Obi’s “poverty of spirit.” But Obi, a man who reads people quickly and is well bred, shook him cheerfully and calmly. Reno was disappointed.

The shoulder pat was another calculated move. He likely expected Obi to react sharply or remove his hand angrily. Again, Obi remained calm. Again, Reno was disappointed.

To show that the encounter was planned, his cameraman was hiding nearby, pretending to fiddle with his phone while secretly recording the exchange.

There is hardly any situation in which Obi does not display visible composure and maturity in handling matters. Nigerians have seen this repeatedly. If he becomes president tomorrow, many believe he would manage the country with the same calmness and emotional discipline.

The elderly man who reacted, like many Nigerians reacting, is right. To understand Reno Omokri, one must, with some depth, understand the history and character of well-known betrayers, especially those driven by hunger, whose blood runs like an intermittent fever in Reno’s veins.

As he is now an ambassador, he is expected to be more virulent towards Peter Obi, who, in their view, threatens the early stability of his ambassadorial appointment even in its honeymoon phase with his assured presidential victory, but Obi is  not vindictive. Characters like Kenneth Okonkwo are also minted from the same furnace. Are you following him lately?

Meanwhile, let us be informed once Reno resumes duty in any country as an ambassador, so that we can also inform that country of who he truly is.