Omokri is well known for his criticism of the Buhari government, and clamor for good governance in Nigeria, at least, not until 'money changed hands' as claimed by some of his followers who wonder the sudden change in his social media activities.
We are in a political season, and people understandably, will align themselves with whoever they believe will serve their interests or do a better job if elected to power. And from this, came the 'vawulence'.
The social media fracas allegedly began when Omokri is said to have gone up in arms against the #Obidient Movement, a group of supporters mobilizing support for Labour Party's presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, to ensure his victory in next year's presidential election.
Omokri who is believed to be a good friend of Obi, even describing him as "My role model" back in 2020, appears to have changed colour as he align himself with PDP's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The change would later see Mr Omokri, turn his social media handles from the platform used for criticising Buhari, making inspirational posts, showing support for Leah Sharibu, and doing occasional giveaways, into a political pulpit with the aim of derailing Peter Obi's presidential ambition, according to a Twitter user who wondered why Omokri focuses on bashing Obi instead of marketing his own presidential choice, Atiku.
As bad as Nigeria now is, it will be worse under Obi. Peter’s horde are most intolerant. Datti Baba Ahmed is an excellent choice. He is not cut from their cloth. The Obi mob can’t tolerate what Buhari tolerates. I shudder to think of a Nigeria under their rule! #TableShaker
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) July 8, 2022
"It's fine not to support OBI but can you stop down talking him? Simply sell ur candidate. We have no issues if you don't support OBI but stop undermining his efforts. He has the right to run for presidency like others," Nora Lynda said in response to Omokri's tweet.
While it is a known political game to promote one's preferred candidate by demarketing oppositions, Obi's supporters however, claimed Mr Omokri went too far when he twisted their candidate's words to turn the North against him.
Omokri who was reacting to Obi's interview on Arise TV, said the Labour Party's candidate shot himself in the foot when he "considers himself a pilot and Kwankwaso a mere driver and substitute player." In other words, Omokri believes Obi denigrated the North by exalting himself, and by extension, the South East.
He tweeted, "While his Obidients are applauding that interview, if you watch it with an unbiased mind, you see that Peter Obi considers himself a pilot and Kwankwaso a mere driver and substitute player. The people of Kano heard that. The North heard that. Others Nigerians heard!"
While his Obidients are applauding that interview, if you watch it with an unbiased mind, you see that Peter Obi considers himself a pilot and Kwankwaso a mere driver and substitute player. The people of Kano heard that. The North heard that. Others Nigerians heard!#TableShaker
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) July 6, 2022
Omokri's tweet enraged Obi's Obidient movement, leading to a petition on change.org, demanding that he be banned from the social media platform, and his business insider's award be rescind.
As at the time of writing, the petition has reached 105,515 signatures, enough to alarm Omokri who has since cried out of being targeted and threatened by those he described as "nonotorious for insuIting people, intolerant to opposing views, and cyber bullies of the worst order."
Obi’s supporters are notorious for insulting people. They are intolerant to opposing views. They are cyber bullies of the worst order. If Peter Obi really believed they were paid by his opponents, why did he tweet twice asking his followers to be less insulting?#TableShaker
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) July 6, 2022
Omokri's fears became apparent as he continued to make series of tweets and claims of his life being in danger.
He said, "The threats are too much. My life is at risk. If anything happens to me, my wife, my children, or siblings, the world should hold Peter Obi responsible. He has raised a horde of intolerant and violent Obidients who just want to replace Buhari’s tyranny with theirs!"
While Reno Omokri may have a legitimate reason to be worried, some Nigerians believe he's responsible for his own predicament by stepping on a people angry with the current state of their country, while he is out their enjoying life in foreign lands.
Twitter user Ehichioya Caleb, said, "Dear Mr. Reno Omokri, @renoomokri, nobody picked on you. You instigated the North against Peter Obi and the South East. You are a leader in your capacity. You shouldn't have said those things even when given your constructive criticism."
Another user Chidozie Stanley, wrote, "When you bring a problem to yourself, please face it alone Sir and do not drag others to it. Of late, your campaign have centered more on P.O supporters than what your candidate will do if he wins, and I still find it hard to understand."
"You tried to instigate ethnic crisis between North and the East. Guard your utterances. If you love Atiku that pull down your master Jonathan, you are entitled to your judgement. But please allow Peter Obi and don't pick on him when he speaks. "Follow peace with all men," Ejikeme Aleru said in his own response.
Emooni, "I signed the petition against you. I signed it because what you are doing is not campaign, but playing games and trying to pitch the North against the Igbo people. Something capable of endangering the lives of Ndi Igbo."
Others however, took the opportunity to poke fun of the 'Table Shaker' with their replies.
Olawale Babs said, "Mr #TableShaker your table go soon break😀😀😀"
General Flexible joins in, "Guys continue, we got him, he’s becoming unstable gradually."
Another user replied to General Flexible saying, "The guy is pressured, am sure his sweating inside AC right now 🤣🤣🤣"
Betty, "And finally he become obidient 😂baba dey fear vawulence. Lolz that's right, hold on to ya motivations cus that's were ya nose should have been"
Mr Soj adds, "U are no longer table shaker, but shaking under the table, thank you sir."
Others advised Omokri to take a break.
Calyx wrote, "Reno, u dey worry for Africa abeg, try and be O'bedient, don't forget to drink water and have a good nap, it has been a restless and stressful day for you"
Jonny Maga, "When will you learn to stop. We have come of age we know how politics work here in Nigeria"
Okoi Paragon, "Sir with all due respect, take a short nap and you will be alright, cause you've been on this same pilot and conductor issue for days now and it's irritating to say the least. Market your candidate and leave Peter Obi alone, it's not too much to ask of you Sir🤗"