Legendary Nigerian musician and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has condemned the inclusion of former presidential aide Reno Omokri in President Bola Tinubu’s latest ambassadorial nominations. The outspoken entertainer said the nomination is a dangerous signal for national unity and a mockery of Nigeria’s democratic values.
Speaking in a strongly worded message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Charly Boy described Nigeria as a “sour nation,” expressing disappointment with the direction of political appointments under the current administration. He criticised the presidency for forwarding Omokri’s name to the Senate despite what he called the former aide’s “bigotry” toward the Igbo ethnic group.
Using Pidgin English to convey his frustration, Charly Boy wrote: “Nigeria don Sawa,” meaning the country has become unpleasant or disappointing. He argued that Omokri’s nomination shows a lack of sensitivity to national cohesion, especially at a time when many Nigerians are calling for leaders who can unite the country across ethnic and political lines.
Charly Boy described Omokri as a man whose online behaviour does not reflect the qualities required of an ambassador, a role traditionally associated with diplomacy, calmness, national values and international representation.
President Tinubu recently submitted a fresh list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation. These nominations are part of the government’s efforts to fill vacant diplomatic positions after the recall of previous ambassadors earlier in the administration.
The list has generated mixed reactions, but Omokri’s name appears to be the most controversial. Known for his active presence on social media, especially on X and Facebook, Omokri has built a reputation for defending his preferred political candidates while attacking opponents. His style of commentary often sparks heated debates and accusations of ethnic bias.
Many observers note that his critics—particularly from the South-East—have repeatedly accused him of making comments that could heighten ethnic tension. It is against this background that Charly Boy expressed shock that the presidency would consider him fit for a diplomatic post.
In his post, Charly Boy questioned what message President Tinubu intended to send by nominating someone he described as a “clown,” “bigot,” and “moron.” He suggested that the appointment was an endorsement of Omokri’s recent comments against the Igbo ethnic group.
“Ambassador Reno Omokri, that’s a spectacular mockery of this country,” he wrote. “With the volume of bigotry against the Igbo that Reno Omokri has vomited in the last few months, how can anyone who cares about national unity make the clown an Ambassador?”
He warned that no Igbo person would feel proud or safe visiting an embassy headed by Omokri. According to him, an ambassador should be someone who inspires trust, promotes national interest and strengthens the bond between Nigerians at home and abroad.
“So how can any Igbo go to an embassy run by Reno with a sense of belonging or pride?” he asked.
Charly Boy accused President Tinubu of the “deliberate washing of national dirty linens in public” by nominating someone he described as “filthy underwear.” He claimed the president should have given Omokri a “backyard job” instead of choosing him for such a sensitive international role.
He argued that Tinubu’s decision could be interpreted as support for the divisive comments Omokri has made, saying: “Tinubu might be sending a message. Endorsing the bigotry that Reno embodies. It’s a deliberate gut-punch to national unity.”
According to Charly Boy, this move undermines Nigeria’s fragile unity and further weakens the sense of belonging among different ethnic groups.
Reno Omokri served as a Special Assistant on New Media to former President Goodluck Jonathan. He is widely known for his activism, political commentary and strong defence of Jonathan’s administration. In recent years, he has also been a vocal critic or supporter of political candidates depending on the context, earning both praise and criticism from the public.
Many Nigerians online have echoed Charly Boy’s concerns, referencing Omokri’s history of controversial comments and allegations of ethnic insensitivity. Others, however, argue that his online persona does not necessarily disqualify him from public service.
Some supporters say he is being unfairly targeted because of his outspoken political views, while others believe his nomination is part of the political reward system common in Nigerian governance.
Ambassadors represent Nigeria in foreign countries, handle diplomatic issues, support Nigerians abroad and help strengthen international relations. Their behaviour, professionalism and reputation often shape how Nigeria is perceived globally.
Critics of Omokri’s nomination argue that the role demands emotional maturity, neutrality, and the ability to manage diverse interests without bias—qualities they claim his online conduct shows he lacks. They insist that political loyalty should not be the major criteria for such appointments.
Supporters of the criticism say Nigeria cannot afford to send someone with a record of online disputes and ethnic confrontations to represent the country on the world stage.
Nigeria has faced deepening ethnic and regional divisions in recent years, fuelled by political competition, insecurity and social media polarisation. Many Nigerians have called on leaders to promote more inclusive policies and appoint individuals who can bridge divides.
Charly Boy’s comments reflect wider national frustration, especially in the South-East, where there is growing belief that the region has been politically marginalised. The controversy surrounding Omokri’s nomination taps into this long-standing feeling of exclusion.
For Charly Boy, the nomination represents not only poor judgment but also a broader problem of leaders ignoring the sensitivities of diverse ethnic groups.
The entertainer concluded his message by rejecting the idea of ever stepping into an embassy run by Omokri. “Ambassador Reno… Tufiakwa! [God forbid]! I will never go that embassy,” he wrote.
The Senate is expected to begin screening the ambassadorial nominees in the coming days. It remains to be seen whether the upper chamber will approve Omokri’s nomination or whether public pressure will influence the outcome.
