Pressure Mounts on Tinubu to Drop Omokri from Ambassadorial List
Pressure is mounting on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw the nomination of social commentator and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, from ambassadorial appointment.
An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain from Anambra State, Pharmacist Chinedu Ikeagwuonwu Klinsmann, on Thursday urged the President to reconsider the nomination, citing concerns over Omokri’s past public criticisms of the Tinubu administration.
In a statement released to the media, Klinsmann argued that nominating Omokri could compromise the integrity of governance and send mixed signals about the administration’s standards for public service.
“Reno Omokri has made several defamatory remarks about President Tinubu in the past, including unsubstantiated allegations and personal attacks,” Klinsmann said. “Appointing him to such a sensitive diplomatic position not only undermines the President’s credibility but also calls into question the values we uphold in leadership.”
Similarly, the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), the youth arm of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, has rejected the nomination, describing it as inappropriate and potentially damaging to the image of the country.
The group cited Omokri’s previous social media posts and interviews, in which he was openly critical of Tinubu’s political record and personal history.
In a press statement, the OYC noted that Omokri’s appointment could “embolden political opportunism and disregard for loyalty, discipline, and consistency in public office.”
“Nominees to ambassadorial roles must reflect the government’s values and be individuals who have demonstrated commitment to national unity and the image of the country. Reno Omokri’s record stands in contrast to these ideals,” the group said.
Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, is known for his outspoken views on national issues and has long been a vocal critic of the APC.
His nomination has sparked debate across social and political circles, with many questioning the rationale behind the President’s decision.
The Presidency has yet to issue an official statement regarding the growing calls for Omokri’s withdrawal.
