In response to widespread criticism and escalating protests, Pharmacist Chinedu Ikeagwuonwu Klinsmann, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Dunukofia Local Government Area, Anambra State, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately withdraw the controversial ambassadorial nomination of Mr. Reno Omokri. Klinsmann argues that the nomination constitutes a grave betrayal of party loyalty, public trust, and the fundamental principles of democratic governance championed by the current administration.
Klinsmann, a public affairs commentator renowned for challenging political opportunism, expressed deep concern that someone with a documented history of hostility, misinformation, and sustained attacks against President Tinubu could be elevated to a prestigious diplomatic role, representing Nigeria internationally. He described Omokri’s nomination as deeply offensive to loyal party members and harmful to the integrity of the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“It is astonishing that President Tinubu would nominate someone like Reno Omokri, whose consistent attacks against him, both personally and politically, are well documented,” Klinsmann stated. “Omokri has persistently used his social media platforms, notably Twitter (now X), to spread negative propaganda and inflammatory remarks aimed at discrediting President Tinubu.”
Klinsmann highlighted several instances where Omokri directly insulted and denigrated Tinubu. In a tweet dated May 5, 2022, Omokri claimed, “Bola Tinubu can’t even stand straight or answer basic questions. This is not what Nigeria needs in 2023. He’s physically and mentally unfit to lead.” Such comments, Klinsmann insists, were part of an orchestrated campaign designed to undermine public confidence in Tinubu’s leadership capabilities.
Additionally, Klinsmann drew attention to Omokri’s persistent reference to long-dismissed drug allegations against Tinubu, aimed at delegitimizing his candidacy. For instance, on August 15, 2022, Omokri tweeted, “A drug lord from Chicago cannot lead Nigeria. We will not allow a Pablo Escobar wannabe to take over Aso Rock,” referencing Tinubu’s forfeiture of $460,000 to U.S. authorities decades ago, despite no criminal conviction ever recorded.
The APC chieftain further criticized Omokri for consistently stoking ethnic tensions and divisions. He cited Omokri’s September 28, 2022 tweet, accusing Tinubu of pushing a “Yoruba Consolidation Agenda,” describing it as dangerous rhetoric that deepens Nigeria’s ethnic divisions.
Klinsmann also recalled Omokri’s role in undermining confidence in Nigeria’s electoral integrity during the 2023 general elections. He referenced a tweet on March 2, 2023, where Omokri claimed without evidence, “INEC and Tinubu robbed Nigerians in broad daylight. We don’t recognize this stolen mandate,” comments Klinsmann described as designed to incite public unrest and destabilize the nation’s democracy.
Omokri’s disparaging remarks regarding President Tinubu’s health, academic background, and economic policies also came under scrutiny. Klinsmann pointed out that Omokri openly mocked Tinubu’s health challenges, criticized his academic credentials with campaigns such as #TinubuAcademicRecords, and labeled his economic reforms—including subsidy removal and exchange rate unification—as “economic terrorism.”
Even Vice President Kashim Shettima, Klinsmann added, was targeted by Omokri, who described him as a “puppet of the Lagos cabal,” further attempting to delegitimize the Tinubu administration.
Klinsmann stressed that such behaviors are entirely inconsistent with the diplomatic standards and decorum expected of Nigerian ambassadors. “Diplomacy demands integrity, discretion, and respect,” Klinsmann argued. “Omokri represents none of these values.”
Beyond political contradictions, Klinsmann referenced various controversies surrounding Omokri, including allegations of inciting ethnic hostilities, notably an incident in January 2025 where Damien Igbokwe raised alarms over Omokri circulating provocative videos from Nigeria’s historical crises. He further highlighted accusations by Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, and concerns from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who accused Omokri of fostering ethnic prejudice against the Igbo community.
For these reasons, Klinsmann insists Omokri’s nomination must be withdrawn. He argues that rewarding someone who consistently undermined party unity, national cohesion, and democratic values sets a dangerous precedent, ultimately threatening the integrity and stability of governance.
“Appointments, especially diplomatic ones, should not be rewards for political hostility and sensationalism,” Klinsmann concluded. “President Tinubu must prioritize national unity, integrity, and patriotism over political theatrics. Nigeria deserves representatives who embody our collective values, not individuals who have actively sought to destabilize the nation.”
Klinsmann appealed directly to President Tinubu, urging him to reconsider the nomination and select individuals genuinely committed to advancing Nigeria’s interests on the global stage. “This decision will define your administration’s commitment to integrity and national dignity,” Klinsmann advised. “Withdraw Reno Omokri’s nomination to uphold the values of your administration’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’ Nigeria deserves better.”
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