Reno Omokri, a former Special Adviser to Jonathan Goodluck and socio-political activist, has backed support for Kogi State Governor-elect Usman Ododo’s action of kneeling before his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, immediately after receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ododo emerged victorious in the off-cycle governorship election held in Kogi State on Saturday, November 11, 2023, as announced by INEC on Monday.
His competitors included Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The formal presentation of the Certificate of Return took place at the INEC headquarters in Lokoja, the state capital, with the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Gabriel Longpet, officiating the event.
Ododo’s unexpected act of kneeling before Governor Bello while presenting the certificate garnered attention and varied reactions from spectators.
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This incident sparked a range of responses on social media. Reno Omokri, in his reaction, downplayed the significance of Ododo’s gesture, stating that it demonstrated Ododo’s upbringing and respect.
Omokri referenced a past incident involving former President Musa Yar’Adua, where he, his wife, and mother knelt before ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo following Obasanjo’s pivotal role in Yar’Adua’s presidency.
Omokri’s post emphasized the act of showing gratitude and giving honor where it is deemed appropriate, drawing parallels to cultural norms, even suggesting that in Yoruba tradition, one might prostrate flat to express deep respect.
He likened the situation to receiving assistance from a benevolent individual, suggesting that gratitude should be shown in such instances.