In the theater of politics, a single photograph can be wielded as a sword or a shield. Dele Momodu unearthed an image; Reno Omokri challenged its narrative. But beyond the spectacle, the truth remains an orphan, waiting for those with eyes to see.
Nigerian author, columnist, and social media firebrand Reno Omokri has called out Entertainment journalist-turned-politician Dele Momodu over a resurfaced throwback photo that sent political speculations into overdrive.
The image, featuring former Rivers Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike alongside the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, emerged in the wake of President Bola Tinubu's sweeping suspensions.
Recall that the long-standing power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, escalated into an all-out political war, crippled governance and plunging Rivers State into chaos.
The crisis reached boiling point as the state's House of Assembly, reportedly dominated by Wike's loyalists, turned against Fubara, pushing for his ouster. Allegations of executive overreach, financial mismanagement, and security breaches further intensified tensions, culminating in violent clashes and a paralyzed government.
With Rivers' economic backbone, its crucial oil sector teetering on the edge, Tinubu invoked emergency powers on March 18, 2025, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and the lawmakers for six months in a dramatic move to restore order. In their place, he installed Admiral Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the state's new administrator.
As the political dust swirled, Dele Momodu fanned the flames by posting an old photo of Wike with Ibas, igniting a firestorm of theories and speculation about hidden allegiances and backdoor dealings.
The post set social media ablaze, fueling narratives that Wike had a hand in Ibas' appointment.
SEE DELE MOMODU'S POST BELOW
But Omokri, a staunch Tinubu loyalist, was quick to step in, countering Momodu's post with a sharp rebuttal. After privately reaching out to him, Omokri publicly called him out albeit respectfully, challenged the narratives spun from the viral image.
Backing his stance with receipts, he shared multiple photos of Wike meeting various top government figures, made it clear that the Ibas encounter was nothing out of the ordinary.
Reno Omokri wrote;
"Dear Egbon Dele Momodu,
"The photo you posted has triggered a narrative that the just-appointed Rivers State Administrator had a special relationship with the FCT Minister. After speaking with you this morning, I now understand that that was not your intention. However, these are sensitive times, and leaving that narrative unrebutted is quite dangerous.
"For the information of the public, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) was the Chief of Naval Staff between 2015 and 2021. In that capacity, he met with many Governors and other top government officials.
"For example, here is a photo of him and the then-Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, and his deputy, Mr. Ivara Esu. Attached is also a picture of him and the then-Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello, another photo of him with Mr. Mele Kyari, the GMD of the NNPC, and yet another with the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
"Posting a photo of Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) with Nyesom Wike immediately after his announcement, will only inflame passions and feed conspiracy theories, which may lead to an escalation of violence and consequent loss of human life and property"
SEE HIS POST BELOW
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