The Nigerian Senate is reportedly considering removing Reno Omokri from President Bola Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees, following fresh outrage over his past verbal attacks on the president.
Omokri, a former presidential aide known for his fiery commentary, once described Tinubu as a “drug baron,” a remark now resurfacing at the heart of the controversy.
Initial reports suggest Senate President Godswill Akpabio had backed Omokri’s nomination as a political reward. But the tide appears to have turned, with
Akpabio said to be supporting lawmakers who want Omokri disqualified, arguing that someone who publicly maligned the president cannot credibly represent Nigeria abroad.
Leading the pushback is Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West, who has been lobbying colleagues to oppose Omokri’s confirmation.
Ngwu reportedly insists that Omokri’s history of harsh criticism makes him an unsuitable ambassadorial candidate and undermines the dignity of the presidency.
Tensions escalated inside the Senate after the official WhatsApp communication group was abruptly locked, preventing senators from responding to the brewing dispute.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly challenged the move, demanding that the group be reopened and deleted messages restored for transparency.Insiders say the conflict has exposed deep cracks within the Senate leadership.
One source claimed Akpabio nominated Omokri as payback for “hatchet jobs,” yet is now rallying allies to screen him out. The internal wrangling has also sparked heated exchanges among senators, with Ngwu reportedly clashing with colleagues over the matter.
Omokri himself has a long history of criticizing Tinubu, especially before the 2023 election when he questioned the president’s integrity, record, and academic background. Although he later softened his tone after confirming Tinubu’s attendance at Chicago State University, senators opposing him insist his previous attacks cannot be ignored in an international diplomatic role.
