A former Spokesman of the President-elect’s Campaign in the Southeast, Denge Josef Onoh, has declared that social commentator Reno Omokri lacks the fundamental moral character required to serve as a Nigerian ambassador, insisting that no Senate screening based on ethical standards should clear him for such a sensitive role.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja on December 1, 2025, Onoh acknowledged that ambassadorial appointments fall under the constitutional prerogative of the President, but stressed that nominees must undergo Senate confirmation and security vetting by agencies including the Department of State Services.
“Without doubt, I agree that in Nigeria, ambassadorial appointments are a presidential prerogative under the Constitution, but they must be confirmed by the Senate and undergo security clearance by agencies like the DSS. While the law emphasizes professional competence and political loyalty, moral character is implicitly the highest and most stringent unwritten standard — and Reno Omokri lacks the moral character criteria for appointment as a Nigerian ambassador,” Onoh stated.
According to him, the ambassador’s office is Nigeria’s foremost symbol of integrity and ethical conduct abroad, and therefore demands an unimpeachable personal and public record.
Onoh outlined what he described as the three core pillars of moral character essential for any ambassadorial nominee — pillars he argues Omokri fails to meet.
1. Irreproachable Integrity and Truthfulness
Onoh stressed that an ambassador “must demonstrate unwavering honesty, free from a history of deceit, forgery, or disinformation,” noting that Omokri’s record raises red flags.
He cited the 2017 incident in which Omokri admitted to using a false identity, “Wendel Simlin,” to link then–CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to Boko Haram.
“Reno Omokri has faced repeated accusations of pathological lying and disinformation,” Onoh said. “Such patterns contradict the truthfulness required for diplomatic credibility.”
He also referenced an October 2025 confrontation where U.S. attorney Mike Arnold publicly accused Omokri of misrepresenting discussions in a meeting involving Senator Ted Cruz.
2. Upholding Family and Personal Responsibilities
The second pillar, Onoh said, concerns personal reliability and empathy.
“Moral fitness requires fulfilling core duties like parental obligations, especially toward vulnerable dependents,” he stated, citing claims by Omokri’s ex-wife that he abandoned their son with special needs.
“This personal lapse fails the ethical standard of reliability in private life, which mirrors the dependability needed in public service,” he added, acknowledging that while an investigation cleared Omokri of abuse allegations, concerns remain about consistent parental engagement.
3. Non-Partisan Ethical Conduct and Avoidance of Hypocrisy
The third pillar, Onoh explained, is consistency in public ethics.
“Ambassadors should exhibit consistent moral leadership, avoiding opportunistic shifts in allegiance or divisive rhetoric,” he said.
Onoh argued that Omokri’s frequent political flip-flops — alternating between attacking and supporting President Bola Tinubu depending on the season — undermine his credibility.
He also referenced Omokri’s conservative social commentary, such as his controversial claim that only virgins deserve bride price, describing them as statements that “clash with his own history of controversy and perceived sycophancy.”
‘Senate Would Likely Reject Him’
Onoh concluded that even though non-career ambassadors may be chosen for visibility or public influence, Omokri’s ethical shortcomings outweigh his strengths.
“In summary, while non-career ambassadors like Omokri could theoretically be considered for his visibility, his ethical track record — marked by deceit, personal neglect, and inconsistency — disqualifies him under the highest moral standards,” he said.
“Appointments prioritize those whose character enhances, rather than risks, Nigeria’s global standing. If nominated, Senate rejection would be probable, as moral fitness remains the ultimate gatekeeper.”
Omokiri, does not have the qualities enshrines in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria to occupy such a sensitive position of an ambassador. He lacks the credibility in all ramification. He is good as a content creator than to be seen as an embodiment of Nigeria any where. Omokiri he will end up a mockry to Nigeria. More still, he is not working for the good of Nigeria not to talk about Mr president. Tinubu should be careful of this man, mark my words.