Reno Omokri, the Nigerian ambassador-designate to Mexico, has publicly urged Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to apologize to President Bola Tinubu. This call comes after Atiku referred to the President by his first name during a recent press conference, a move Omokri believes lacks the respect that is due to the office of the President.

In a post on his verified X account, Omokri expressed his disappointment, stating that Atiku's casual reference to Tinubu as 'Bola' sets a concerning precedent for political discourse in Nigeria. He emphasized that such behavior reflects poorly on Nigeria's image in the international arena and undermines the dignity of the presidential office.

Omokri argued that Atiku's choice of words could contribute to further divisions within the country, noting that he has never addressed former President Muhammadu Buhari by his first name. He recalled that even during his tenure as Vice President, Atiku maintained a level of respect for President Olusegun Obasanjo, referring to him formally despite their disagreements.

"You need to apologise to President Tinubu. I watched your press conference today and noticed that you repeatedly referred to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces as 'Bola' rather than President Bola Tinubu," Omokri stated. He further highlighted that Atiku's previous respect for Obasanjo, even amidst personal conflicts, should serve as a model for how political figures should conduct themselves.

Omokri's remarks come at a time when political tensions are high in Nigeria, with various factions vying for power and influence. His call for Atiku to apologize is seen as an attempt to encourage decorum and respect in political interactions, which he believes is essential for the country's unity and progress.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, observers will be watching closely to see how Atiku responds to Omokri's request and whether it will influence his approach to political discourse moving forward.