Report by Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
Yesterday, Nigerian social media users were shocked and infuriated when Reno Omokiri @renoomokri crossed a morality line and mocked John Okafor aka Mr Ibu as he lay on a sickbed. Omokiri’s insensitive post drew immediate attention and ignited a firestorm of criticism. The incident unfolded in real time, with netizens expressing their outrage and disappointment at Omokiri’s lack of empathy.
He came under fire for his derogatory statements against John Okafor, Mr Ibu who has been bedridden due to an illness that has removed him from public eyes for a while.
Reno Omokiri took to his notorious Social media account to start his usual rantings, thereby mocking Mr Ibu for seeking financial help to help secure medical treatment for his illness.
@renoomokri post reads:
“I sympathise with John Ikechukwu Okafor, AKA Mr. Ibu, over his ailment, and I urge all #RenosNuggeteers to donate to the account number he put out. Please do not ignore his cries for help. I also urge members of the public to donate.
However, this is a man who publicly endorsed Peter Obi. He and his daughter danced for Peter Obi and broke the Internet. They went out on the streets campaigning for Obi. The same Peter Obi who boasted that he is richer than President Biden of the US, who at the time of Peter’s boast was worth $8.2 million.
After all that John Okafor did for him, perhaps Mr. Peter Obi can support him by paying Mr. Ibu’s medical bills. I am even surprised that Peter Obi did not remember to post about Mr. Ibu on his birthday yesterday. Even at that, Peter Obi should help him in his time of need.”
The Twitter post drew public rebuke and criticism, humiliation and a walk of shame by the self-styled social media orator, Reno Omokiri. A 9News Nigeria journalist called Reno Omokiri to order, admonishing him to preserve the residue of his integrity that is already on the verge of being eroded due to his unguided political utterances against issues of no concern to him all in the name of garnering popularity on the social media.
The public’s response to Omokiri’s actions was swift and fierce. Many netizens condemned his behaviour, emphasizing the importance of respect and kindness, even in the virtual world. The incident highlighted the power of social media to hold public figures accountable for their actions. Users flooded Omokiri’s social media accounts with comments expressing their disappointment and demanding an apology.
One respondent posted: ” I’d like to ask again because what my parents told me and what I’ve read about old age coming with wisdom seems to be all lies because old age now comes with lies and deceit from people whom you least expect it from. Stop seeking attention Reno, there’s nothing left in you”
Reno Omokiri, a notoriously self-styled political commentator and author, has built a reputation for his sharp wit and clever commentary, but he has begun to be notorious for throwing personal derogatory jabs at people, especially the Igbos. He has amassed a significant following on social media, where he often shares his thoughts on various topics and makes unfounded claims all in the name of gaining more social media influence.
On the other hand, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, is a beloved Nollywood actor known for his comedic roles and larger-than-life personality. He has been diagnosed with some ailment for which he is currently seeking financial support to enable him to get medical attention.
Report by Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
