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By Oscar Okhifo
Controversial good governance advocate, Reno Omokri, on Sunday rose in defence of President Bola Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees, saying the list reflects “Christlikeness” and a spirit of forgiveness in leadership.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Omokri said the president’s decision to nominate individuals who had once criticized or politically opposed him, reflects humility, tolerance and a commitment to national unity over personal interest.
According to him, leadership in a country as diverse as Nigeria demands the ability to rise above resentment and political rivalry, noting that the president’s action shows a willingness to reconcile rather than retaliate.
“When a leader overlooks past insults, betrayals and opposition and still extends a hand of opportunity, that is the very spirit of Christlikeness.
” President Tinubu has shown that governance is not about settling scores, but about healing the nation,” Omokri stated.
However, Omokri’s endorsement and his reported inclusion on the ambassadorial nominees list have continued to generate intense reactions online.
For a long period before the election, Omokri was one of Tinubu’s fiercest critics, repeatedly warning Nigerians against voting for him and often launching harsh attacks on his personality and political record.
In a dramatic reversal, shortly after Tinubu won the election and was sworn in, Omokri turned around to become one of the president’s most vocal supporters, frequently praising his leadership and defending his policies.
He has also fallen out with Labour Party’s Peter Obi and the PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he had previously supported and publicly praised.
The sudden political shift and Omokri’s nomination have drawn widespread disapproval among netizens, many of whom described his inclusion as a “reward for sycophancy and rascality.”
Critics on social media accused him of abandoning principles for political favour, while others said his appointment, if confirmed, would undermine public trust in the ambassadorial screening process.
Despite the backlash, Omokri dismissed criticisms trailing the list as politically motivated and predictable, insisting that opposition reactions were driven by partisan interests.
He advised the Senate to screen the nominees objectively, stressing that Nigeria’s diplomatic standing should be placed above political sentiment.
“Inclusion is not weakness. It is strength. Nigeria will be better for it,” he concluded.
President Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees are currently before the Senate for screening and confirmation.