Ambassador-designate Reno Omokri says he accepted his appointment out of loyalty to Nigeria, despite previously being a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu.
Omokri made the clarification on Wednesday while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he addressed past remarks suggesting he would not work with the Tinubu administration.
The former presidential aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan had reportedly stated that he would not serve under Tinubu. However, when asked about the apparent contradiction, Omokri said his comments had been misinterpreted.
“That’s not what I said. The question I was asked was: if Tinubu asked me to work with him, would I accept? I said no, it’s not in my DNA,” he explained.
“When I met with officials of the administration, I made it clear that I could not take certain positions because of statements I had made in the past. However, I never said I cannot work for Nigeria.
“As an ambassador, I will be working for Nigeria. I will be an ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
President Tinubu nominated Omokri and several others as non-career ambassadors late last year. The list includes prominent political figures such as former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu; former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode; former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Senator Ita Enang; Senator Jimoh Ibrahim; Chioma Ohakim; Bello Danbazau; and retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, among others.
The nominations generated debate in some quarters, particularly over the inclusion of the former INEC chairman.
Months after being screened by the Senate, Omokri said his decision to accept the role was based on conviction and a desire to serve the country.
“You know what? I cannot say everything. During our discussions, I explicitly said, ‘I cannot do this or that because of the positions I’ve held and the statements I’ve made.’ However, I told them I can serve in this role because I will be working for the country,” he said.
Omokri, once a staunch critic of the President, said his stance has since changed.
“My position on President Tinubu has changed. I believe he is the best thing for Nigeria,” he said.
