Dr. Joseph Onoh, former Southeast spokesman to President Bola Tinubu and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, has criticized the Nigerian Senate for claiming it received “no formal petitions” opposing Reno Omokri’s ambassadorial nomination. Onoh described the assertion as “deeply disappointing,” saying it undermines the credibility of the upper legislative chamber.

According to Onoh, he personally submitted a detailed protest letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on December 1 and 2, 2025, highlighting why Omokri is unfit for diplomatic service, citing past conduct and potential threats to Nigeria’s international reputation. He also referenced previous petitions he had made publicly.

Onoh presented a stamped letter dated December 1, 2025, titled “Open Protest Letter to the Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: Strong Protest Against the Confirmation of Mr. Bernadette Reno Omokri as Ambassador Designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” In the letter, he wrote:

“Mr. Omokri’s antecedents, public statements, and documented actions constitute a direct threat to Nigeria’s national interest, diplomatic integrity, and international reputation. Confirming him as an ambassador would inflict irreversible damage on our nation and send the most dangerous signal to the world. I also document anti-Nigerian and defamatory attacks on the president by Mr. Reno Omokri (2019–2023), which were sent to the Senate and widely publicized in national dailies and credible online platforms.”

Onoh further accused the Senate of compromising its integrity by denying receipt of legitimate correspondence and dismissing others on technical grounds. He warned that such actions risk tarnishing the reputation of the legislature and eroding international confidence in Nigeria’s legislative processes.

“This undermines transparency and national interest, sacrificing the Senate’s revered stature on the altar of cheap politics,” Onoh said. (Vanguard)