The Nigerian Senate is grappling with intense internal conflict following the nomination of outspoken social media commentator Reno Omokri as a non-career ambassador.
Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, was among 32 nominees sent to the upper chamber for confirmation.
His inclusion has sparked fierce opposition due to his history of sharp criticism against President Bola Tinubu.
Past Attacks on Tinubu Fuel Backlash
Before the 2023 elections, Omokri was one of Tinubu’s most vocal critics. He repeatedly questioned the president’s integrity and once publicly referred to him as a “drug baron” — a remark now haunting his nomination.
Many senators argue that someone who leveled such serious allegations against the sitting president cannot credibly serve as Nigeria’s representative abroad.
Akpabio Accused of Double Game
Sources within the Senate claim Senate President Godswill Akpabio initially pushed for Omokri’s nomination, allegedly as payback for political favors the commentator rendered during past campaigns.
However, in a dramatic turn, Akpabio is now reportedly mobilizing allies to block the same nominee he supported.
“The Senate President wanted to reward Omokri for work done, but now fears backlash over the Tinubu insults,” a senior parliamentary source told journalists.
Senator Ngwu Leads Opposition Charge
Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West) has emerged as the main figure rallying colleagues against Omokri’s confirmation.
Ngwu has reportedly been contacting fellow lawmakers, insisting that approving Omokri would damage Nigeria’s image internationally given his previous attacks on the president.
Senate WhatsApp Group Locked Amid Heated Debate
Tensions boiled over in a private Senate WhatsApp group used for official communication.
As arguments over Omokri’s nomination grew heated, the group was suddenly locked and responses disabled — a move attributed to Senator Ngwu, one of the group’s administrators.
The decision triggered outrage among members. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly challenged Ngwu, demanding the group be reopened and deleted messages restored.
Omokri’s Earlier Vow Against Working with Tinubu Resurfaces
Adding to the controversy, old statements from Omokri have resurfaced in which he vowed never to accept any appointment under President Tinubu or work with his administration.
Critics now point to these declarations as evidence of inconsistency and question the sincerity of his potential service.
The Senate has yet to fix a date for the screening of the ambassadorial nominees, but the controversy surrounding Reno Omokri threatens to overshadow the entire confirmation process.