The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has called on the National Assembly to reject the nomination of Mr. Reno Omokri as an ambassador, saying his confirmation would amount to endorsing his past allegation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a “drug lord.”
OYC National President, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja, describing Omokri’s nomination as a “national embarrassment” capable of exposing Nigeria to international ridicule.
Igboayaka said Omokri lacked the character and integrity required of a diplomat, arguing that his history of controversial public statements made him unfit to represent the country abroad. He described the nominee as someone who had “consistently disgraced himself in Nigeria’s political landscape,” insisting that appointing him as an ambassador would bring “international shame and disgrace” to Nigeria.
The youth leader cited a December 17, 2022 comment in which Omokri harshly criticised Tinubu, alleging involvement in drug-related activity and questioning his suitability for public office. He warned that confirming Omokri would inadvertently give official weight to those statements.
“If Reno Omokri is allowed to represent Nigeria internationally, his previous comments could be cited as verified facts from a constituted authority,” Igboayaka said. “Confirming him would be tantamount to confirming his claim that President Bola Tinubu is a drug lord.”
He urged lawmakers to reject the nomination to avoid what he described as potential diplomatic embarrassment and unnecessary international criticism for the President.
Omokri is among 32 nominees forwarded to the Senate for screening. His inclusion has drawn controversy due to his past criticisms of President Tinubu, including repeated allegations about his record prior to the 2023 election. Although Omokri later softened his stance after confirming Tinubu attended Chicago University, he had previously vowed never to work with the President.
During a past interview on the Mic On podcast, Omokri insisted he would never accept an offer from Tinubu, saying doing so would be against his principles.
