The Director General of the APC Digital Force, Pharmacist Chinedu Ikeagwuonwu Klinsmann, has renewed his appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the nomination of Mr. Reno Omokri as a non-career ambassador.

His position followed confirmation on Friday that Omokri’s name had been formally transmitted to the Senate for screening.

Klinsmann, who had earlier raised concerns in April, said the renewed call was driven by loyalty to the President and a commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s diplomatic reputation. He argued that ambassadorial appointments must reflect unity, maturity, and the highest standards of public conduct.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the APC Digital Force DG said his position was not motivated by political rivalry but by a desire to uphold the values of the Renewed Hope Agenda. He commended President Tinubu’s commitment to merit-based appointments but maintained that the nomination of Omokri did not align with those expectations.

He stressed that diplomacy requires restraint, composure, and the ability to promote cohesion among Nigerians at home and abroad. Klinsmann said some of Omokri’s online engagements over the years had generated public controversy, which, in his view, may not support the level of neutrality required in diplomatic roles.

“Ambassadors are symbols of national cohesion. They represent the country’s image and must be able to unify diverse Nigerians in the diaspora,” he said.

The APC chieftain also urged the Senate to thoroughly assess all ambassadorial nominees, emphasising the need to prioritise national unity and ethical representation. He encouraged senators from Delta State—under which Omokri’s nomination falls—to ensure that the state presents individuals capable of strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic outlook.

Klinsmann further called on relevant security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), to conduct comprehensive background checks on all nominees in line with global diplomatic standards. He noted that foreign missions routinely apply strict scrutiny before granting accreditation.

He added that various stakeholders within the APC, civil society groups and diaspora organisations had privately expressed concerns over the nomination, though many were unwilling to speak publicly.

“It is out of respect for the President and in defence of national dignity that this appeal is being made,” he said.

Klinsmann reaffirmed the loyalty of the APC Digital Force to President Tinubu but insisted that public service appointments must uphold the highest principles of credibility and unity. He urged the President to replace Omokri with a “more broadly acceptable and unifying candidate.”

Vanguard News