Senate Reportedly Moves To Drop Reno Omokri From Ambassadorial Nominees List

The Nigerian Senate has reportedly planned to drop controversial Reno Omokri from the Ambassadorial Nominees List.

BrandNewsDay Nigeria reports that the Nigerian Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, is reportedly considering the removal of Reno Omokri from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees list.

Omokri, who was a former presidential aide, author, and outspoken social media commentator, is facing mounting resistance from lawmakers over his past criticisms of President Tinubu, including an instance where he referred to the president as a “drug baron.”

According to a report by Sahara Reporters, Akpabio had initially backed Omokri’s nomination, allegedly as compensation for political support. However, he is now said to be supporting efforts by several senators to block Omokri’s confirmation, citing his controversial remarks as grounds for disqualification.

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Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West is reportedly spearheading the opposition, lobbying colleagues with the argument that an individual who publicly attacked a sitting president lacks the moral authority to represent Nigeria on the international stage.

Tensions heightened after the Senate’s official WhatsApp communication group was temporarily shut down, restricting lawmakers from expressing their concerns. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly demanded that the group be reopened and that deleted messages be restored.

A source familiar with the internal dispute said: “The Senate President nominated Omokri as a reward for certain political favours. But he is now leading a clique pushing to screen Omokri out because of his past attacks on Tinubu, including calling him a drug baron. Senator Osita Ngwu has been mobilising senators to reject him and has been clashing with colleagues opposed to the move.”

Omokri had previously sworn never to accept any appointment from President Tinubu, having been one of Tinubu’s most vocal critics ahead of the 2023 general elections. He frequently questioned the president’s credibility, academic records, and integrity before later tempering his criticism after confirming Tinubu’s attendance at Chicago State University.

The Senate is expected to intensify deliberations on the matter as screening of ambassadorial nominees continues.