Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has replied Afrobeats star Davido after the singer lashed out at him over comments regarding his advocacy for abducted schoolchildren during a FIFA World Cup countdown concert.
In a statement shared on social media on Tuesday and addressed to the singer, Omokri said he was taken aback by the “vulgar” remarks directed at him, arguing that such language was inappropriate for a global entertainer representing Nigeria.
The disagreement followed Davido’s appearance at the FIFA World Cup countdown concert in Los Angeles, where he wore a customised jacket displaying the names of more than 40 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State in May, alongside the inscription “Bring Them Home.”
Omokri had previously criticised the gesture, arguing that it risked giving criminals and terrorists the attention they seek.
Earlier on Tuesday, Davido posted a video of Omokri on Instagram and captioned it, “UMU BINGO @renoomokri fowl.”
Responding, Omokri maintained that although Davido’s intentions may have been noble, drawing global attention to bandits and terrorists could unintentionally help them spread fear, attract recruits and secure funding.
“Dear Mr. David Adeleke AKA @Davido, Thank you for your feedback. I was rather surprised by your response to my post, setting the record straight on Peter Obi’s false allegations against His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, regarding the repatriation of Nigerian prisoners from the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,” he wrote.
He also faulted the singer over the online exchange, saying: “Most shocking is your insult. You are an international celebrity whom Nigeria is proud of. Coming to insult me on my Instagram profile with such vulgar words should be beneath you.
“Yes, I am aware that you were upset at my appeal to you not to use an international platform, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to give publicity to bandits and terrorists.”
According to Omokri, publicising such incidents on a global stage may have unintended consequences.
“I did that because while your intention may be good and you think you are pressuring the government, the actual effect of what you did is to give publicity to the terrorists and help them spread fear, recruit new members, and raise funds,” he added.
To support his position, Omokri cited examples from international sporting and entertainment events, arguing that public figures in other countries generally avoid amplifying terrorism-related incidents.
He also referred to the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls and the subsequent #BringBackOurGirls campaign, claiming that the widespread attention made rescue efforts more difficult and strengthened extremist groups.
“We saw that in Nigeria. The #ChibokGirls were abducted on April 14, 2014. The then Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, revealed that the military had located the girls and were ready to rescue them.
“However, after Michelle Obama held up the #BringBackOurGirls banner in May 2014, the publicity resulted in Boko Haram separating the girls into different groups and keeping them in various camps, while increasing security around them, which made it literally impossible to rescue them.
“Thereafter, Boko Haram’s recruitment was boosted, and their finances exploded, and six months later, ISIS announced that they had merged with Boko Haram to form ISWAP.
“That is what I was trying to explain to you. Just like Margaret Thatcher said, ‘publicity is the oxygen of terrorism.’”
Omokri further pointed to international reporting standards, noting that UNESCO advises against giving terrorist organisations unnecessary publicity.
“It is also why the UNESCO Handbook for Journalists on Terrorism Coverage urges public figures not to grant terrorists any publicity,” he wrote.
He ended his response by expressing hope that Davido would better understand his viewpoint, adding: “I hope you now understand my point of view. Thanks again, and may God bless you.”
