Businessman Isaac Fayose has launched a scathing criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s newly released ambassadorial list, describing many of the nominees as “padi-padi” selections who, in his words, were chosen more for personal loyalty than proven competence. Fayose insisted that several names on the list lack the professional depth and global exposure required to project Nigeria’s interests credibly on the international stage, warning that such appointments could weaken the country’s diplomatic image rather than strengthen it.
In a fiery video message that has since gone viral, Fayose questioned the credibility and competence of some of the nominees, suggesting that the process prioritised friendship and political reward over merit and track record. He singled out Reno Omokri, whom he dismissed as having no tangible business history, alleging that his public role revolves mainly around constant praise-singing and rhetoric rather than meaningful contributions to national development. Fayose argued that appointments should be based on measurable value, not social media loyalty or political noise.
Fayose slams ex INEC chairman
He also took aim at ex INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, accusing him of mismanaging huge public funds meant for the conduct of credible elections and alleging that the promised transparency never materialised. Fayose argued that individuals he considers controversial should not be rewarded with international postings, stressing that such decisions send disappointing signals to Nigerians at home and observers abroad about accountability and governance standards.
According to Fayose, the overall quality of those selected to represent Nigeria internationally reflects a troubling decline in leadership priorities. He warned that if competence continues to take a back seat to connections, Nigeria risks losing respect in the global arena. In his words, the trend shows a nation heading in the wrong direction, where character and ability are ignored in favour of political convenience.
Isaac Fayose insists on good character
Fayose urged both Reno Omokri and supporters of Peter Obi to move on from political hostilities, maintaining that integrity should never be sacrificed on the altar of loyalty. He emphasised that he places a higher value on personal character than financial success, declaring that a good name is worth far more than wealth obtained through questionable means. He said his desire is to be remembered for honesty and principle rather than material possessions.
He further claimed that public admiration in Nigeria often follows money rather than merit, lamenting that many only receive applause because of what they can offer financially. Wrapping up his commentary with sarcasm, Fayose remarked that Reno Omokri’s “job has finally paid off,” hinting that the former aide should celebrate what he believes is a political reward for years of public defence and loyalty. He concluded by urging Nigerians to look beyond titles and appointments and instead demand integrity, accountability, and competence from those entrusted with representing the nation.
He said …
“President Tinubu, ambassadorial list, majority of them are padi-padi. They are not going to add value. What will Reno Omokri do? Reno Omokri that does not have any company, his job is to be, what do you say, town crier. Praising nonsense. That is his job. Or is it Mahmood that rigged our election, that got 359 billion to conduct credible, free and fair election, but he did otherwise? Look at the people that are going to represent us abroad. You know that Nigeria is going, going gone. I don’t respect people with stolen wealth. I respect people with good character. It’s better to be poor and have a good name than to be rich. And everybody is looking at you like, oh, I won’t let Uncle Roger. Yeah, come on. There is no, come on. One plus one is two. It’s not twenty, it’s not eleven. Yeah. He’s not 11. Now, will you leave Peter Obi alone? Abii? Shebi, they don’t compensate you for all your job. So now, make them send you go Somalia. So leave Tinubu alone. Abii? I say leave Tinubu alone. Leave Peter Obe alone. Ni, I don’t expect people big man with money. Some people pray that their brother be governor. No, I don’t pray. When I come back to this world, I don’t even pray for that. I pray for someone with good character. You know, that doesn’t mean I don’t love my brother. I just stand for what is good. I don’t stand for caricature. How much food will I eat? My children, they look at me and they say, Daddy, we are proud of you because you haven’t soiled your hand. You know? And some children are saying we are going to inherit plenty houses. Ooh, Nigerians know where the houses are coming from. Oh, come on, you can deceive yourself, but you can’t deceive the people, and you can’t deceive poor. If they are ailing you today, they are only ailing you because of what is in your pocket, not because you are a good ambassador. Eh, Reno Omokri, congratulations. Eh, your job don’t pay now. Maga don pay. Shout hallelujah. Eh. Thank you.”
“President ambassadorial list, many of them will not add any value to Nigeria. Someone like Reno Omokri, his work is a town crier and praise singer (Otimkpu) or is it Mahmood Yakubu that rigged elections? At least Reno will leave Peter Obi alone since they have compensated… pic.twitter.com/1B46n7tpIb
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) November 30, 2025