A fresh controversy has erupted over the reported nomination of Mr. Reno Omokri as an ambassadorial candidate, following a strongly worded open letter addressed to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The letter was written by Denge Josef Onoh, former spokesperson of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council (South East) and brother to Honourable Minister Bianca Ojukwu.
In the letter dated December 1, Onoh described Omokri’s inclusion on the ambassadorial list as “an unprecedented insult” to the President and “a grave danger to Nigeria’s image and moral future.”
He argued that the appointment undermines the sacrifices of millions of loyal supporters who defended Tinubu during the 2023 elections and beyond.
Onoh reminded the President of Omokri’s long history of public criticism, noting that the former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan repeatedly accused Tinubu of being a “drug baron” and “narcotics kingpin.”
He cited Omokri’s book, “Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of Bola Tinubu’s Drug Case” as part of a sustained campaign to damage Tinubu’s reputation globally.
According to Onoh, Omokri also amplified controversies surrounding Tinubu’s certificates and identity, while branding him “the godfather of corruption in Nigeria.”
The letter warned that appointing Omokri would validate these allegations internationally.
“The moment he presents his letter of credence in any capital, the first Google search about him will return headlines like ‘Tinubu appoints man who called him drug baron as ambassador,’” Onoh wrote.
He further cautioned that such a move would hand propaganda victories to critics abroad, including British politician George Galloway, who has echoed similar claims.
Beyond reputational concerns, Onoh stressed the moral implications for Nigeria’s youth.
He argued that rewarding someone who vilified the President sends a dangerous message that betrayal is more profitable than loyalty.
“It risks eroding the moral fibre of an entire generation,” he warned.
Calling on Tinubu to withdraw the nomination, Onoh appealed to the Senate to “rise to the occasion and save our collective future.”
He emphasized that ambassadors represent Nigeria’s dignity abroad and questioned the contradiction of sending Omokri to speak for a nation he once disparaged.
The letter concluded with a plea for respect:
“Your supporters are not asking for vengeance.
We are asking for respect — respect for the office you occupy, respect for the sacrifices we made, and respect for the image of Nigeria.”
The Presidency has yet to issue an official response to the concerns raised.
