The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has urged the National Assembly to reject the ambassadorial nomination of Reno Omokri, warning that confirming him could inadvertently validate his past allegation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a “drug lord.”

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in Abuja, OYC National President Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka described Omokri’s nomination as a “national embarrassment” that could expose Nigeria to ridicule on the international stage.

OYC Criticizes Omokri’s Character

Igboayaka argued that Omokri lacks the integrity, composure, and diplomatic qualities expected of a representative of Nigeria abroad. He described Omokri as “a well-known blatherskite, a gasbag, or a whiffler” whose controversial public statements have consistently “disgraced himself in Nigeria’s political landscape to satisfy his paymaster.”

“Confirming Reno Omokri as an ambassador would amount to international shame and disgrace for the country,” he said.

The Controversial Statement

The council specifically referenced Omokri’s December 17, 2022, remarks in which he accused President Tinubu of being a drug user and a “drug lord,” suggesting that scientific testing could verify the claim.

Igboayaka warned that if Omokri were allowed to represent Nigeria abroad, his past statements could be perceived as official commentary from a government representative.

“If Reno Omokri is allowed to represent Nigeria internationally, he will be considered a constituted authority, and his statements can be cited as verified facts. Confirming his nomination would effectively endorse his allegation that Bola Tinubu is a known drug lord,” he said.

Background

Omokri, a former vocal critic of Tinubu, had repeatedly sworn never to work with him, including during appearances on the Mic On podcast with journalist Seun Okinbaloye.

“It will never happen… It’s just against my principles. Some people can do that. It’s not in my DNA. I can’t do it. It’s never going to happen,” Omokri stated regarding any potential appointment under Tinubu.

Despite his earlier criticisms, Omokri later softened his stance after confirming Tinubu’s academic credentials from Chicago University.

Senate Decision Pending

Omokri is among 32 nominees forwarded to the Senate for confirmation. The OYC insists that confirming him would damage Nigeria’s diplomatic image and urged lawmakers to reject his nomination to prevent “undue international criticism” and preserve the country’s credibility.