The Nigerian Senate, led by Godswill Akpabio, is reportedly preparing to remove Reno Omokri’s name from the list of ambassadorial nominees.
Omokri, a former presidential aide and well-known social media commentator, has faced significant resistance because of his past criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including a comment in which he once described the president as a “drug baron.”
According to Sahara Reporters, Akpabio had initially supported Omokri’s nomination, said to be in recognition of political favours.
However, he is now reportedly supporting attempts by some senators to reject the nominee, using Omokri’s previous statements as grounds for disqualification.
Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West has been at the forefront of the opposition, contacting fellow lawmakers to argue that an individual who publicly criticised a sitting president should not be appointed to represent Nigeria internationally.
Tensions increased when a Senate WhatsApp group, which is used for official communication, was temporarily locked, preventing lawmakers from replying.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that the group be reopened and that deleted messages be restored.
A source stated, “The Senate president had nominated Omokri as a reward for the hatchet job he did for him.
“However, Akpabio is rallying some of his clique to screen Omokri out on the claim that he once attacked Tinubu and called him a drug baron.
“Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District, is reported to be rallying senators to reject Omokri.
“Ngwu has been attacking colleagues against the move.”
Omokri had previously sworn never to accept any appointment or work with President Bola Tinubu.
He was one of Tinubu’s strongest critics before the 2023 presidential election, challenging his background, credentials, and integrity.
However, he later reduced his criticisms after confirming that Tinubu attended Chicago University.
