The ambassadorial list sent to the Nigerian Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stirred a fresh wave of controversy after former United States mayor Mike Arnold launched a scathing attack on the nominations. His outrage was directed mainly at the inclusion of political activist and writer Reno Omokri.
Arnold criticised the list in a public statement, arguing that it exposes what he describes as Nigeria’s growing tolerance for corruption and political opportunism. He accused Omokri of shifting positions whenever it suits political interests and insisted that such a figure should not represent the country on any diplomatic platform. According to him, the nomination shows that Nigeria is rewarding behaviour that should instead raise red flags.
Tinubu’s list, submitted on November 29 2025, contains thirty two nominees including former governors, political commentators, and influential party figures. Omokri’s name, however, quickly became the most debated. His long record of political combativeness and frequent clashes with both supporters and critics of various administrations have placed him at the centre of public scrutiny.
The backlash is not limited to Arnold. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong described the list as a reward for individuals with questionable histories. Youth groups and civic actors have also questioned why diplomatic roles seem to be handed out based on politics rather than competence.
Ambassadors represent a country’s values abroad, and this nomination round has revived a long running debate about whether Nigeria prioritises professionalism or political patronage in foreign appointments. The Senate is expected to screen the nominees soon, a process that will likely attract even more public attention.
This controversy adds yet another layer to Nigeria’s ongoing conversation about credibility, governance, and what kind of image the country projects to the world.
