Following the nomination, by President Bola Tinubu, of Mr Reno Omokri, as Ambassador by President Bola Tinubu, a Group, Delta Democrats Forum, DDF, has rejected him.
President Tinubu had, on Saturday, forwarded Omokri’s name, along with 31 others, to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for confirmation as Ambassadors.
But since the names were made public, it has been greeted with outrage with not a few people describing the list as “disgraceful, shameful, underwhelming.
Especially, three of the names have attracted a lot of criticism and controversy. They are those of a former strong Tinubu critic, Reno Omokri, former Minister for Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode and the immediate past Chairman of tye Independent National Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu.
In continuation of the protest against the list, the DDF has written an open letter to the President, rejrcting Omokri’s appointment as a representative of Delta State, insisting that he is not a fit and proper person to be appointed from the State.
Following is the full text of the letter.
“Your Excellency,
“On behalf of the Delta Democrats Forum (DDF), a broad coalition of democratic voices committed to integrity, accountability, and responsible governance — we write to unequivocally reject the nomination of Mr. Reno Omokri as an Ambassador representing Delta State.
“While we respect the constitutional prerogative of the Presidency to nominate ambassadors, we also have a duty to defend the honour, image, and values of Delta State. It is for this reason that we must state, without reservation, that Mr. Omokri is not a suitable choice to represent our people at any diplomatic level.
“1. A Deeply Controversial Personality Unfit for Diplomacy
“Mr. Omokri has become known nationwide not for diplomacy or constructive engagement, but for provocative rhetoric, divisive commentary, and frequent public altercations, especially on social media.
An ambassador is expected to embody calmness, maturity, restraint, and statesmanship. Mr. Omokri’s record contradicts these qualities.
“Delta State cannot be represented abroad by an individual whose conduct routinely inflames tensions, fuels unnecessary controversy, and disrespects opposing views.
“2. Inconsistent Loyalties and Political Opportunism
“A diplomat must project reliability and national coherence. Yet Mr. Omokri’s history of erratic political positions, unstable loyalty, and sudden shifts in advocacy raises serious questions about his reliability.
Such inconsistency is incompatible with the responsibility and discretion required of an ambassador.
“3. He Does Not Reflect Delta State’s Values or Character
“Deltans are known nationwide for humility, decorum, tolerance, and quiet excellence.
Mr. Omokri’s public persona—marked by attention-seeking antics, insults, and unrestrained online behaviour—stands in direct contrast to the character of our people.
“As a forum committed to the integrity of Delta’s representation, we firmly state that his nomination is not in harmony with the cultural and moral standards of our state.
“4. Not Fit to Serve Even at Local Level, Let Alone Diplomatically
“Given his divisive posture and controversial public behaviour, we believe it would be difficult to justify his appointment even as a ward councillor in Delta State.
If he cannot meet the standards of local leadership, how then can he be entrusted with the responsibility of representing Nigeria and Delta State on an international platform?
“5. Delta Has More Credible and Exemplary Candidates
“Delta State is blessed with accomplished statesmen, diplomats, technocrats, scholars, and community leaders with impeccable integrity and global credibility.
Choosing Mr. Omokri disregards the wealth of qualified and respectable Deltans who would bring honour and stability to Nigeria’s diplomatic corps.
“Our Demand
“In line with our commitment to responsible leadership and the protection of Delta State’s image, the Delta Democrats Forum hereby urges Your Excellency to withdraw the nomination of Mr. Reno Omokri and replace him with a candidate who
embodies:
*unity rather than division,
*reflects the dignity of Delta State, and
*upholds Nigeria’s diplomatic reputation.
“Conclusion
“Your Excellency, this nomination has generated widespread concern among Deltans across political lines. We respectfully submit that Mr. Reno Omokri’s reputation and conduct make him entirely unsuitable to serve as Ambassador.
The Delta Democrats Forum stands firm in defense of our state’s honour and urges your administration to reconsider in the overall interest of Nigeria’s diplomatic image.
“Respectfully,
“Comrade Ufuoma Steven Atare Convener – Delta Democrats Forum
Delta Democrats Forum (DDF)
Committed to Democratic Integrity and Responsible Leadership”
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
