Obienyem Moves to Block Omokri’s Diplomatic Mission

The Nigerian diplomatic landscape is bracing for a potential international standoff as Barrister Valentine Obienyem, a prominent political commentator, has vowed to launch a global campaign to block the ambassadorial confirmation of Mr. Reno Omokri. Obienyem, who served as a key advisor to the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared that he will formally petition any nation to which Omokri is posted, urging the host government to reject his credentials.

This brewing controversy centers on the principle of diplomatic “persona non grata,” as Obienyem prepares to send detailed dossiers to foreign ministries and heads of state. The legal practitioner revealed that he has already drafted a comprehensive letter addressed to the prospective host country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Internal Affairs. The document outlines what he describes as “grave concerns” regarding Omokri’s suitability to serve as the face of Nigeria on the world stage.

At the heart of Obienyem’s objection is a detailed chronicling of Omokri’s past public conduct, which the lawyer claims demonstrates a pattern of “instability and shifting loyalties.” He argues that diplomatic representation requires a level of decorum and national commitment that he believes the nominee lacks. The lawyer insists that this is not a personal vendetta but a necessary step to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s foreign service.

A significant portion of the petition focuses on Omokri’s previous relationship with the current administration. Obienyem points to the period leading up to and during the 2023 presidential election, during which Omokri was one of the most vociferous critics of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The draft letter reminds potential host countries of Omokri’s active participation in protests and his frequent use of social media to question the President’s physical and mental fitness for office.

Specifically, the petition highlights instances where Omokri reportedly mocked President Tinubu’s health, using derogatory labels such as “London patient.” Obienyem argues that such history makes it impossible for the nominee to authentically represent the President or the Nigerian state. He suggests that a diplomat who once publicly disparaged the leader they are meant to represent creates an inherent conflict of interest that could jeopardize bilateral relations.

Obienyem’s letter further dives into the allegations Omokri previously leveled against the President regarding academic records and corruption. By presenting these publicly documented statements to foreign governments, Obienyem intends to paint a picture of a nominee whose loyalty is driven by “personal advancement rather than national interest.” He contends that Omokri’s current alignment with the government he once attacked is a sign of opportunistic behavior.

The legal commentator emphasized that his objection is based entirely on Omokri’s own published words and actions. He has offered to provide foreign governments with a digital trail of evidence, including video links and social media posts, to substantiate his claims. This evidence, he says, will show a history of vitriol that is fundamentally at odds with the temperament required for high-level diplomacy.

Furthermore, the petition highlights Omokri’s own past declarations, where he allegedly swore he would never work with President Tinubu. Obienyem points out that Omokri once claimed such a collaboration would be against his “principles and DNA.” By highlighting these contradictions, the lawyer hopes to convince host nations that the nominee’s presence would be a liability rather than an asset to international cooperation.

Obienyem is signaling that his opposition will be persistent and geographically adaptive. He stated that no matter where the government decides to post the nominee—whether to a Western superpower or a regional neighbor—the petition will follow him. The goal is to ensure that the host country is fully aware of the “diplomatic risk” associated with accepting the nominee’s letter of credence.

As the nomination process moves forward, this move by a high-profile opposition figure adds a layer of complexity to the government’s foreign policy appointments. It raises questions about how much a candidate’s past digital footprint and political volatility should weigh against their current diplomatic utility. For Obienyem, the answer is clear: the reputation of the Nigerian state must take precedence over political appointments.