A former Southeast Spokesman to President Bola Tinubu, Denge Josef Onoh, has faulted the Nigerian Senate over its claim that it received no formal petitions against the ambassadorial nomination of Mr. Reno Omokri, describing the position as “deeply disappointing” and damaging to the credibility of the National Assembly.
In a strongly worded statement, Onoh said the Senate’s stance undermines the integrity of what he described as a “hallowed chamber” and raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the country’s legislative process.
“As an identifiable individual and stakeholder, I personally submitted a strong protest letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on December 1 and 2, 2025, at the National Assembly,” Onoh stated.
According to him, the petition clearly outlined why Omokri, in his view, is unfit for diplomatic service, citing alleged past conduct and what he described as potential threats to Nigeria’s international reputation.
“I detailed why Mr. Omokri is unfit for diplomatic service due to his past conduct and threats to Nigeria’s international reputation,” he said, adding that he had also referenced an earlier petition in public statements prior to the Senate’s claim.
Onoh expressed concern that by denying receipt of petitions from identifiable individuals while dismissing others on what he called technical grounds, the Senate may be sacrificing national interest for political convenience.
“By denying receipt of any such correspondence from legitimate individuals—while dismissing others on technical grounds—the Senate appears to have compromised its integrity, sacrificing transparency and national interest on the altar of cheap politics,” he said.
He warned that such actions could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democratic institutions and international standing.
“This risks soiling the reputation of our revered institution and eroding global confidence in Nigeria’s legislative processes,” Onoh cautioned.
Onoh, who is also the Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, urged the Senate to uphold due process and ensure that concerns raised by citizens are given fair and transparent consideration, especially on matters with diplomatic and national implications.
