Reject Reno Omokri as an Ambassador, Obienyem urges countries

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By Madu Obi

A public commentator and political writer, Dr. Valentine Obienyem, has vowed to formally petition any country to which Mr Reno Omokri is posted as Nigeria’s ambassador, urging the host government not to accept his letter of credence.

Omokri, a former presidential aide, was among those nominated by President Bola Tinubu for ambassadorial positions and had since been screened by the Nigerian Senate.

In a letter addressed to the President of prospective host country and copied to its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Internal Affairs, Obienyem raised what he described as “grave concerns” about Omokri’s suitability to represent Nigeria diplomatically.

According to Obienyem, the objection is based on Omokri’s “publicly documented conduct and long-standing behaviour,” which he argued, demonstrate instability, shifting loyalties, and an excessive tendency towards personal advancement, rather than national interest.

He warned that accepting Omokri as ambassador could, in his view, pose risks to bilateral relations.

The letter focused on Omokri’s past public commentary on Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with Obienyem recounting that in the period preceding and during the 2023 presidential election, Omokri was an outspoken critic of Tinubu, participating in protests and using strong language on social media to question the President’s fitness for office.

He further recalled instances in which Omokri mocked Tinubu’s health, referring to him as a “London patient”.

The letter also referenced Omokri’s past claims regarding Tinubu’s academic records and allegations of corruption, noting that these statements were made publicly and without caveat at the time and provided links to videos and social media posts which, he said, demonstrate these positions, emphasizing that his account is based on Omokri’s own published words.

Obienyem noted what he described as a dramatic reversal after the election, recalling that Omokri had publicly declared that he would never work with Tinubu. He characterized such an arrangement as contrary to his “principles and DNA”.

According to the letter, Omokri later became an open supporter of the President, endorsing his policies, defending key decisions, and aligning himself with the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, noting that this shift has attracted widespread public attention and controversy in Nigeria.

The letter further stated that Omokri’s ambassadorial appointment has been protested by citizens, civil society groups, and commentators across the country, all questioning his suitability for diplomatic office, adding that the decision to proceed with the nomination despite these objections has deepened public unease.

Obienyem noted that another major concern is Omokri’s alleged pattern of sycophantic behaviour, arguing that this tendency could lead to exaggerated or misleading representations to host governments in an effort to gain favour, thereby undermining trust and accurate diplomatic communication.

He advised host governments to exercise caution and to decline acceptance of Omokri’s letter of credence. He described his intervention as an act of patriotism, warning that accepting Omokri could expose both Nigeria and the host country to reputational risk.

“This is not a personal matter, but a question of public responsibility and the integrity of diplomatic representation", the letter stated.

Obienyem said he is prepared to supply further documentation of Omokri’s public statements upon request, adding that his objections will be raised whenever and wherever Omokri is posted.