society
From Confrontation to Commendation and When Forgiveness Becomes Diplomacy — Why Omokri Calls Tinubu “Christ-like”
From Confrontation to Commendation and When Forgiveness Becomes Diplomacy — Why Omokri Calls Tinubu “Christ-like”.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“What Reno Omokri’s Nomination Reveals About Nigeria’s Political Redemption Narrative.”
The recent nomination of Reno Omokri as one of 32 AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATES by Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sparked a torrent of reactions. For many, it is seen as a grand political turn. For others, it is an affront to DIPLOMATIC DECORUM. Though in a stirring statement, Omokri (once a trenchant critic of Tinubu) offered gratitude; more strikingly, he described the president as “CHRIST-LIKE,” arguing that his selection had revealed a deeper lesson about forgiveness, patriotism and national unity.
This essay delves into that transformation: the SYMBOLIC, POLITICAL, MORAL and THEOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS of what it means for a former critic to invoke CHRISTLIKENESS in a man he once assailed. In doing so, it explores the broader implications for LEADERSHIP, REDEMPTION and NATIONAL IDENTITY in NIGERIA.
From Firebrand Critic to Grateful Nominee: The Background Reno Omokri’s elevation to the list of AMBASSADOR-NOMINEES is remarkable; not simply because of the prestige attached to diplomatic office, but because of the man’s journey. Until recently, Omokri was among the most VOCIFEROUS CRITICS of President Tinubu. In one infamous episode, he publicly labelled Tinubu a “DRUG-BARON,” deriding the then-governor as unfit for office.
Political allegiances notwithstanding, that level of animus usually disqualifies one from being considered for high-level governmental appointments. Indeed, some voices within the ruling party itself had earlier condemned the possibility of nominating Omokri, arguing that such a move would erode “the integrity of governance.”
Yet now, in what many interpret as a dramatic turnaround, Omokri not only accepts the nomination but embraces it with open praise. He publicly thanked Tinubu, invoking God, his parents, and his wife; yet it is his theological framing that stands out: stating that Tinubu “has taught me the meaning of forgiveness and has helped me better understand what patriotism entails,” and concluding, “In short, Christlikeness is demonstrated in him.”
For some, this is REDEMPTION; for others, it is CYNICISM. The stark contrast between his past and present posture raises fundamental questions about the SINCERITY, SYMBOLISM and stakes of reconciliation in Nigerian politics.
Why “CHRISTLIKENESS”? The Moral and Symbolic Weight Invoking “CHRISTLIKENESS” is not a casual compliment. Within the Judeo-Christian heritage that shapes much of Nigeria’s moral and cultural discourse, to call someone “Christ-like” is to attribute to them the qualities of MERCY, FORGIVENESS, HUMILITY, SERVICE and SACRIFICIAL LEADERSHIP. It evokes the highest model of moral behavior rooted in SELF-GIVING, RECONCILIATION and TRANSFORMATIVE GRACE.
By describing Tinubu in that light, Omokri is making a bold (and, if sincere, profound) claim: that the president embodied virtues often absent in political leadership. Forgiveness, in particular, has been central to Omokri’s framing. He said the president “taught me the meaning of forgiveness” not merely as a personal virtue, but as an act of leadership.
This reframing resonates with biblical and Christian ethical teachings. As Christian scholar N. T. Wright once wrote in his theological reflections, “Forgiveness is the cost of true freedom and the foundation of every lasting reconciliation.” For Omokri, therefore, accepting the nomination is not just a political transaction; it is a testament to a transformation of heart and mind.
Furthermore, by equating Christlikeness with the readiness and suitability for diplomatic office (“the right man, at the right time, for the right job”) Omokri elevates the role of ambassador beyond mere representation. He suggests that diplomacy requires not just political acumen or loyalty, but moral gravitas and spiritual maturity.
Leadership, Redemption & National Healing: The Political Stakes. Why does this matter for Nigeria? The country (fractured along ethnic, religious, economic and political lines) is in desperate need of gestures of unity and reconciliation. A high-profile conversion from “CRITIC” to “SERVANT of STATE” carries symbolic weight. It sends the message that political rivalries can yield mature reconciliation; that past criticisms can pave the way for collaboration; and that personal enmities are not immutable.
If sincere, Omokri’s acceptance and framing could mark a new paradigm: one where public service is not just a reward for loyalty, but an opportunity for demonstration of character, humility and national commitment. The spiritual overtones might resonate with many Nigerians, giving the administration a semblance of moral rebranding.
Yet this is not uncontested. Critics (such as Ohanaeze Youth Council and Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé‑Yorùbá) have denounced the nomination, arguing that someone with Omokri’s past inflammatory statements lacks the moral credibility appropriate for representing Nigeria abroad.
They warn that confirming his nomination would amount to validating his earlier denunciations of the president (including a remark painting Tinubu as a “DRUG LORD”) effectively elevating those previously unproven allegations to the status of vindicated claims.
So the question becomes: is this nomination a genuine act of national reconciliation, or a transactional move cloaked in theological rhetoric?
On Forgiveness and Redemption. What Scholars Say: The theme of political forgiveness is not novel. Political theorist Martha Minow, in her seminal work Between Vengeance and Forgiveness, argues that in societies marred by conflict and polarization, forgiveness offers a pathway to rebuild civic trust but provided it is rooted not in OBLIVION or AMNESIA, but in ACKNOWLEDGMENT and TRANSFORMATION.
Similarly, theologian Desmond Tutu emphasized that “without forgiveness there is no future,” and that healing (whether personal or national) demands a willingness to release the past without forgetting it.
If we view Omokri’s acceptance through this lens, his public profession of gratitude and humility may (potentially) be a step toward national healing, rather than mere opportunism. By acknowledging past divisions and embracing a new role in service of Nigeria, he may be embodying what Minow calls “restorative justice” in the political realm.
Yet Minow and other scholars caution that forgiveness must not mean impunity. It must be accompanied by accountability, transparency and evidence of change. For a diplomatic representative, that especially matters is because an ambassador does not only echo the sentiments of the appointing administration; he becomes the face of the nation abroad.
Thus, while the theology of redemption provides moral weight, the politics of reputation and public trust demand rigorous vetting.
What This Means for Nigeria And What to Watch. A Test of Sincerity: The true gauge of Omokri’s transformation will not be in statements or press releases, but in performance. As ambassador (should he be confirmed), his conduct, professionalism and consistency will reveal whether his “CHRISTLIKENESS” was symbolic poeticism or genuine spiritual renewal.
Diplomacy Beyond Politics: If embraced by the Senate and accepted by Nigerians, his nomination may signal a shift from rewarding loyalty or political convenience, to rewarding moral transformation. That would elevate diplomatic service beyond patronage.
Risk of Backlash: But for many Nigerians (particularly those who suffered under contentious politics) this gesture may appear hollow: a cynical reward for a former critic. Civil society groups have already warned that his confirmation may taint Nigeria’s international image.
Symbolism vs Substance: The contrast between Omokri’s past and present offers a powerful symbolic narrative and one of reconciliation, humility and redemption. Yet symbolism must be matched with substance. Without consistent behavior and ethical diplomacy, the label of “CHRISTLIKENESS” risks becoming hollow branding.
Opportunity for National Healing: In a country where political divisions often turn toxic, moments like this (genuine or otherwise) represent opportunities for unity, introspection and rebuilding trust. If handled with integrity, they could pave the way for a new kind of political engagement rooted in character, forgiveness and shared national purpose.
Closing Thoughts— Redemption, Governance, and the Burden of Representation
Reno Omokri’s public declaration (that Christlikeness is demonstrated in President Tinubu) is more than an act of gratitude. It is a bold moral judgment, a theological statement and a political gambit. In an environment where Nigerian politics is often defined by rivalry, suspicion and retribution, such framing appeals to something deeper: to moral reconciliation, national unity and redemptive politics.
Whether this moment marks a genuine metamorphosis (or a pragmatic repositioning) remains to be seen. What is certain is that Nigeria is watching. In Omokri’s acceptance, in the Senate’s deliberation and in the public verdict, lies a broader question: CAN A NATION BUILT ON FRAGMENTATION EVER HEAL THROUGH INDIVIDUAL ACTS OF FORGIVENESS AND SYMBOLIC CONVERSION?
If so, this ambassadorial nomination could become more than a personal prize, it could become a test case for whether Nigeria can embrace redemption, not only as a theological ideal, but as a foundational principle of governance and national identity.
George Omagbemi Sylvester is a political commentator and writer. SaharaWeeklyNG.com is committed to in-depth analysis, fearless commentary, and sober reflection on the matters shaping Nigeria’s destiny.
A Nation on Alert: Is FIRS’ Xpress Payments Move Consolidating a Revenue Cartel?
BY BLAISE UDUNZE
Nigeria’s national mood is tense. The country is facing economic hardship, insecurity, public distrust in institutions, and an increasingly widening gap between citizens and their government. Yet, in the midst of this fragility, a quiet administrative action by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has sparked a storm of public concern, political accusations, and renewed debate over who truly controls Nigeria’s revenue system.
The controversy began when the FIRS quietly announced the appointment of Xpress Payment Solutions Limited, a fast-rising Nigerian fintech company, as a Treasury Single Account (TSA) collecting agent, effectively giving the company authority to process federal government tax payments through the TaxPro Max platform. With this appointment, taxpayers can now remit Company Income Tax, Value Added Tax, Withholding Tax, and other federal payments using XpressPay or the company’s in-branch e-Cashier platform.
At first glance, the move appears technical and harmless, perhaps even a necessary step to modernize Nigeria’s digital tax infrastructure. But almost immediately, outrage erupted across political, civil society, and economic circles. And within hours, the debate had escalated into what is now being framed as a national question: Is Nigeria witnessing the quiet re-emergence of a revenue cartel, this time on a federal scale?
A Tax Gatekeeper Emerges Silently
Xpress Payments is not an unfamiliar name in Nigeria’s fintech landscape. Incorporated in 2016, the company has grown steadily, offering secure payment gateways, switching services, and enterprise financial solutions. Its Acting Managing Director, Wale Olayisade, expressed delight at the appointment, describing it as a major milestone, “We are honoured to be selected by FIRS. Our systems are built to ensure ease, speed, and security for every transaction.”
He insisted that taxpayers would enjoy a seamless, transparent, and reliable experience.
Ordinarily, such remarks should settle nerves. But the public response was anything but calm. Citizens and political stakeholders immediately raised a torrent of questions:
– Why was this appointment announced quietly, without public consultation?
– What new value does Xpress Payments add that existing TSA channels, such as Remita, do not already provide?
– Were there competitive bids?
– What are the contract terms, and who benefits financially?
– Why concentrate such a sensitive national function in private hands at a time when transparency is already strained?
The silence from government circles only deepened the suspicion. In governance, especially around revenue, silence is not neutrality; it is oxygen for mistrust.
Atiku Abubakar Explodes: “This Is Lagos-Style State Capture”
The loudest reaction came from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who issued one of his most forceful statements in recent years. Atiku accused the Federal Government of attempting to replicate the same at a national scale. The controversial Lagos revenue model was dominated for years by Alpha Beta, a private firm accused of enjoying a monopoly over the state’s revenue pipeline.
In his words, “This is the resurrection of the Alpha Beta revenue cartel. What we are witnessing now is an attempt to nationalise that template.”
Atiku warned that the move could concentrate power around politically connected private actors, enabling them to sit at the centre of federal revenue flows. He questioned the timing, calling it insensitive given the nationwide grief over insecurity, “When a nation is mourning, leadership should show empathy, not expand private revenue pipelines.”
He issued five demands:
1. Immediate suspension of the Xpress Payments appointment
2. Full disclosure of contract terms and beneficiaries
3. A comprehensive audit of TSA operations
4. A legal framework preventing private proxies from controlling public revenue
5. A shift in national priorities toward security and transparent governance
His final warning was blunt, “Nigeria’s revenues are not political spoils. They are the lifeblood of our national survival.”
The Ghost of Alphabeta: Why Nigerians Are Worried
For many Nigerians, this controversy triggers painful memories of earlier private-sector dominance over public revenue. The “Alphabeta era” in Lagos is widely remembered, fairly or unfairly, as a time when a single private company appeared to dominate the state’s tax collection landscape, shrouded in secrecy and controversy.
Nigeria’s fear is simple:
– If revenue collection becomes controlled by one or two private companies, transparency dies, and corruption flourishes.
– Allowing private entities to sit between taxpayers and government can create:
· Monopoly power
· Inflated service fees
· Data privacy concerns
· Political weaponization of revenue information
· Institutional dependency
· Centralization of sensitive national data
Each of these risks has real consequences for economic stability.
FIRS’ Defence: “It Is Only an Additional Option”
To be fair, the FIRS insists that Xpress Payments is only one of several available channels, not the exclusive gatekeeper. Remita and other payment service providers remain operational.
According to FIRS, the move is part of a broader effort to modernize and expand taxpayer options within the TSA. In a functional environment, this would be welcomed as healthy competition. But Nigerians are not reacting to the announcement; they are reacting to the pattern:
– Sudden appointments
– Lack of transparency
– Political undertones
– Private-sector centralization of public revenue
– Timing that coincides with widespread economic strain
The concern is not the company itself; it is the impenetrability surrounding how such decisions are made.
The Big Tax Picture: Major Reforms Coming in January 2026
While the Xpress Payments controversy rages, Nigeria is simultaneously preparing for the most ambitious tax reform in decades, one that may change how individuals and businesses perceive taxation entirely.
The reforms, spearheaded by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, chaired by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, will take effect in January 2026, and they promise sweeping changes.
1. Drastic Reduction of Tax Burden on 98 percent of Nigerians
Oyedele has repeatedly emphasized, “You will pay less or no tax if you are in the bottom 98 percent of income earners.” Under the new regime:
– Workers earning below N800,000 annually pay zero personal income tax.
– Basic food, healthcare, education, and public transport become VAT-exempt, lowering living costs.
– Small companies (turnover ≤ N100m) will pay zero corporate tax, zero capital gains tax, and be exempt from the new 4 percent development levy.
2. Consolidation of Multiple Tax Laws
The reform merges numerous existing laws, CITA, PITA, VAT Act, CGT Act, into a unified tax code. This eliminates duplication, confusion, and overlapping mandates that have plagued Nigeria for decades.
3. Increased CGT for Companies, Fairer Rates for Individuals
– Companies now pay 30 percent CGT.
– Individuals pay CGT based on their income band.
4. Tax on Digital and Virtual Asset Profits
The reforms modernize the tax base to include digital transactions and virtual assets.
5. Export Incentives
Profits from goods exported will now be income tax-free, provided proceeds are repatriated legally.
6. Stronger Tax Institutions
A new Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) will become the sole federal tax collector, while the Tax Ombudsman will resolve disputes.
7. President Tinubu Sets Up an Implementation Committee
To ensure smooth rollout, President Tinubu has approved the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC) chaired by Joseph Tegbe and supervised by Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.
The goal:
Improve compliance, reduce leakages, and reinforce fiscal sustainability.
So, Why Are Nigerians Still Worried?
Because reform alone does not guarantee trust. Nigerians welcome the promise of lower taxes, simpler laws, and less harassment. But they fear that while the tax burden may be reduced, the control over tax collection may be quietly shifting into private hands.
The unsettling question persists:
– How can a nation modernize its tax system while simultaneously outsourcing its revenue gateways?
– What Exactly Is the Risk?
1. Over-Centralization of Revenue Gateways
Even if Xpress Payments is “an option,” such appointments can slowly evolve into de facto monopolies, especially in Nigeria, where political influence often determines market dominance.
2. Data Privacy and National Security
Tax data is deeply sensitive. It reveals income patterns, business operations, sectoral flows, and strategic economic information. Consolidating such data under private firms raises major cybersecurity concerns.
3. Potential for Political Capture
The fear is not that Xpress Payments lacks capacity; the company is reputable, but that future actors may exploit such arrangements for political financing or influence.
4. Risk of Middlemen Profiting from Public Revenue
If service fees or transaction charges apply, taxpayers may indirectly fund private intermediaries for basic access to government services.
5. Erosion of Public Trust
A tax system must be trusted to function. When people sense secrecy, they resist compliance.
What Nigeria Needs Now: Full Transparency, Not Silence
To rebuild confidence, the federal government must take immediate steps:
1. Publish All Contract Details
Service fees, revenue-sharing models, data access permissions, contracts’ duration, and ownership disclosures must be made public.
2. Conduct an Independent Audit of TSA Payment Providers
This should include Remita, Xpress Payments, and all other agents.
3. Prevent Monopolies in Revenue Collection
No single company should control more than 30 percent of federal tax traffic.
4. Strengthen FIRS Capacity
Modern digital tax administration should rely primarily on state capacity, not outsourcing.
5. Establish a Legal Framework for Digital Tax Contractors
To regulate:
– Data usage
– Infrastructure standards
– Profit margins
– Conflict-of-interest rules
Without such laws, Nigeria remains vulnerable.
A Nation at a Revenue Intersection
Nigeria stands at a defining moment. The 2026 tax reforms promise hope: lower taxes, simpler rules, better compliance, and reduced harassment. They present an opportunity to reset the social contract around taxation.
But that promise is threatened by the unsettling perception that tax collection is quietly being privatized, again. The public narrative is now locked in a dangerous contradiction; the government promises tax relief, while citizens fear revenue capture.
Until transparency is restored, the controversy surrounding Xpress Payments will not disappear. It has grown beyond a payment gateway issue. It has become a test of Nigeria’s commitment to:
– Accountability
– Institutional integrity
– Democratic oversight
– And the protection of national revenue
A country cannot modernize its tax system while leaving its revenue gateways in the shadows. Nigerians want answers. They want openness. And they want assurance that the era of revenue cartels, real or perceived, will never return. Anything short of full disclosure leaves the nation with a painful question: Who is truly controlling Nigeria’s money?
Blaise, a journalist and PR professional, writes from Lagos, can be reached via: [email protected]
society
Testimony of how the Prophetic Declaration of Dr Chris Okafor locates and released a man kidnapped by Boko Haram for 80 days Climaxed the Sunday Partnership service of Grace Nation Global
Testimony of how the Prophetic Declaration of Dr Chris Okafor locates and released a man kidnapped by Boko Haram for 80 days Climaxed the Sunday Partnership service of Grace Nation Global
…. As Breaking Into the Overflow Conference/ Annual Thanksgiving service sets to begins
….. Thanksgiving is a serious Business – Okafor
The atmosphere was filled with joy and happiness as a testifier gave account of how his brother was released by the dreaded Boko Haram after he was kidnapped for 80 days.
The Lady who gave the testimony with the name withheld spoke with joy clearly written on her face, she recounted that last two weeks she attended the Grace Nation service midweek service at the Lekki church,
During the service, The Man of God located her through Prophecy, Her case was opened, scanned and God look deep into her problem, Her case was unveiled hitting directly that her brother is in the den of the kidnappers, she confirmed it
Therefore God instructed his servant, The Generational Prophet Dr Chris Okafor to give her an instruction to be carried out, she was instructed to go out and tell the people about Jesus Christ, winning soul into the Kingdom and as instructed she began to tell people about Jesus Christ, barely few days after the Prophetic instructions her brother was released from the den of Kidnappers.
This is what God of Grace Nation can do in as much as you obey the instruction given and also give thanks at all time, God will answer all your prayers
This testimonies is believed to be the testimony of the year.
In his sermon, Thanksgiving as a means of breaking into the overflow, The Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor remarked that Thanksgiving is a serious Business saying when you give and thank, it is an application for me, He said the more you give and thanks , the more Elohim will supply to all your needs.
The Clergyman also remarked that Thanksgiving gives and bring you into overflow, it break you forth into your inheritance therefore when you show gratitude, it Multiply Graces and brings multitudes.
Distractions and ingratitude are some of the factors that limits you from breaking into the overflow, these attitude pull you back from receiving from God but if you can cut away you life from them and leave a thankful life you will definitely break into your overflow, the Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor remarked.
Much talked about in town program “Breaking into the overflow” 2025 conference begins on Wednesday 10th- Sunday 14th December 2025 at the international Headquarters of Grace Nation world-wide in Ojodu Berger Lagos Nigeria.
The breakdown schedule of the Program includes, Wednesday December 10th 2025, The service begin by 5pm, Thursday by 8am, Friday by 8pm( Vigil) and on Sunday 14th The Annual Thanksgiving service of Grace Nation world-wide, The Time is 7am.
3 major Guest Prophets are expected to join the Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor to release Prophetic Declaration over all Participants throughout the 5 days of the program.
If you want to experience the raw hand of Elohim in your life Mark the Date, God of Grace Nation is able and willing to change your situations for better.
Coup Rocks Benin Republic as Soldiers Attack President Talon’s Residence, Seize State TV
Cotonou, Sunday — Tension engulfed Benin Republic in the early hours of Sunday as heavily armed soldiers launched what appears to be a coordinated coup attempt targeting President Patrice Talon and key state institutions.
According to credible security and diplomatic sources, gunfire erupted around President Talon’s private residence in the Le Guézo district of Cotonou at dawn, forcing residents in nearby streets to flee or take shelter indoors. Troops believed to be part of an elite military unit reportedly stormed the premises in an attempt to arrest the president. His whereabouts remained unknown at press time.
Shortly after the attack, a group of uniformed soldiers took over the national broadcaster, Office de Radiodiffusion et Télévision du Bénin (ORTB). Interrupting regular programming, the soldiers announced the dissolution of the government and declared that President Talon had been removed from power. They introduced themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation”, claiming their intervention was necessary to “restore order” and “protect the nation.”
The broadcast was brief, and no independent verification of the president’s status has yet been possible.
Capital on Edge
Cotonou has been thrown into confusion as military vehicles, armed checkpoints, and troops have been deployed at strategic locations. Businesses remained shut, and movement in parts of the capital was severely restricted. Residents reported hearing sporadic gunfire as loyalist forces were believed to be regrouping.
Diplomatic missions in the city issued emergency advisories, urging their nationals to stay indoors pending clarity on the situation.
Uncertain Political Future
Benin, long regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, has faced rising tensions in recent years. Analysts say Sunday’s events — if confirmed as a full-scale coup — mark the most serious challenge to Talon’s rule since he assumed office.
The attempted putsch comes months after the government announced it had foiled a previous plot involving senior political figures and members of the security establishment.
Regional Leaders Monitoring Situation
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has struggled to manage a wave of coups across Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Niger, is expected to respond urgently. Diplomatic sources suggest that a high-level emergency meeting may be convened to assess the situation and consider possible sanctions or intervention.
Next Hours Critical
As the sun set over Cotonou on Sunday, uncertainty deepened. The military faction has yet to present President Talon to the public, fueling speculation about whether he is in hiding, in custody, or attempting to regain control.
For now, Benin stands on the edge of a political precipice, with the coming hours likely to determine whether the coup succeeds or sparks a broader confrontation between rival forces.
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