Arnold Condemns Omokri’s Nomination, Says Tinubu Undermining Nigeria’s Unity

A former Mayor of Blanco in Texas, United States, Mike Arnold, has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the inclusion of Reno Omokri on the latest list of ambassadorial nominees transmitted to the Senate for screening.

Arnold—known for his longstanding public disagreements with Omokri—took to Facebook at the weekend to lambast the President’s leadership priorities, arguing that the administration appeared more inclined toward political loyalty than national cohesion.

In a strongly worded post, Arnold accused the President of “weakening Nigeria’s integrity” by nominating individuals he described as polarising figures. He argued that the decision, particularly the selection of Omokri and former minister Femi Fani-Kayode, reflected what he termed a troubling drift away from the values of competence and national interest.

His remarks came hours after the Presidency forwarded 32 new ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, comprising 15 career officers and 17 non-career candidates.

Arnold alleged that the nominations sent “the wrong message” to young Nigerians, insisting that the administration was grooming a culture that rewards loyalty over merit. According to him, the development risks deepening public distrust at a time many citizens are calling for transparent leadership.

He criticised the President for what he described as “tone-deaf decisions” that disregard Nigeria’s delicate social fabric, arguing that such appointments propagate division rather than strengthen collective purpose.

Arnold further claimed that the nominations reflected “a worrying pattern” in the administration’s governance style, insisting that Nigeria needed leaders who would place national interest above political patronage.