Fresh controversy has erupted over the nomination of Reno Omokri as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico after a social crusader, Valentine Obienyem, petitioned the Mexican government urging it not to accept his diplomatic accreditation.
Obienyem, in the petition released shortly after the Nigerian presidency announced a list of 64 ambassadorial nominees cleared by the National Assembly of Nigeria, alleged that Omokri’s public record shows “inconsistencies of character” that he believes make him unsuitable to represent Nigeria abroad.
According to him, Omokri had previously launched strong public attacks against Bola Ahmed Tinubu before the 2023 Nigerian presidential election, only to later adopt a more conciliatory tone after Tinubu assumed office.
The petition highlighted several past commentaries and social media posts in which Omokri was sharply critical of Tinubu’s leadership ambition and personal credentials during the heated election season.
Obienyem argued that the dramatic shift from fierce critic to public supporter following Omokri’s ambassadorial nomination raises questions about credibility, integrity, and the ethical expectations placed on diplomatic representatives.
Since news of the petition broke, the development has sparked intense debate across Nigeria’s political and media circles, with supporters insisting that political reconciliation should not be used to disqualify anyone from national service, while critics say the controversy underscores the need for stricter scrutiny of ambassadorial nominees.
Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, was among the ambassadorial nominees recently unveiled by the administration of President Tinubu, with Mexico listed as his proposed diplomatic posting.
As the accreditation process unfolds, attention will likely focus on whether the petition gains traction or remains part of Nigeria’s ever-heated political discourse.
