“Confirming Reno Omokri as Ambassador Validates His ‘Drug Lord’ Allegation Against Tinubu” — Ohanaeze Youths

The Ohanaeze Youth Council has urged the Senate to decline the ambassadorial nomination of Reno Omokri, warning that confirming him would give unintended weight to his past accusations against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Tuesday, National President of the Council Igboayaka O. Igboayaka said the nomination was a national embarrassment and risked exposing the country to ridicule abroad. He argued that Omokri lacked the temperament and integrity expected of a diplomatic representative, pointing to years of contentious public commentary that, in his view, made the nominee unfit to speak on Nigeria’s behalf.

Igboayaka described Omokri in harsh terms and insisted that elevating him to ambassadorial status would damage the country’s image. He referenced comments Omokri made in December 2022, when the political commentator levelled serious allegations against Tinubu, including claims about drug activity—allegations the President and his allies have repeatedly dismissed.

According to Igboayaka, endorsing Omokri for an international posting could allow those earlier statements to be misconstrued as carrying official authority, a development he said would be both misleading and diplomatically harmful. He urged lawmakers to reject the nomination to avoid what he called potential embarrassment for the country and unnecessary international controversy involving the President.

Omokri appears on a list of 32 nominees forwarded to the Senate for confirmation, though his inclusion has generated significant debate. His critics point to years of public opposition to Tinubu, including remarks in interviews and on social media. Before the 2023 election, Omokri was among the President’s most outspoken opponents, frequently questioning his background and suitability for office.

He later moderated some of his criticism, notably after verifying Tinubu’s attendance at Chicago University, but continued to insist publicly that he would never serve in any capacity under the administration. In a podcast appearance, he stated that taking a government appointment would violate his personal principles, even claiming he had already turned down outreach from figures associated with Tinubu.

Despite this, his name now appears among nominees awaiting Senate consideration, setting the stage for a contentious confirmation process and continued political debate over his fitness for diplomatic service.