A heated confrontation broke out in the Nigerian Senate on Thursday as Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) clashed sharply over the ambassadorial nomination of former presidential aide, Reno Omokri.
The incident occurred during the second day of the Senate’s screening session for President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees. Omokri, who sat quietly throughout the drama, witnessed the fiery exchange between two of the Senate’s most influential voices.
The confrontation began when Oshiomhole attempted to raise concerns about Omokri’s nomination. He insisted on his right to speak freely:
“Look, I cannot be intimidated by people who go here and there. After all, we see people on television questioning this list,” he said.
Ndume immediately countered, stressing that Senate procedures must be strictly followed:
“The procedure is that if there is a motion on the ground, it should be seconded. If it is not seconded, it’s dead.”
Oshiomhole, refusing to be silenced, raised his voice and appealed to the Committee Chairman, Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North), for protection:
“Just allow me to continue… Mr Chairman, you have allowed me. Please protect me.”
Despite repeated attempts by the chairman to calm tensions, Oshiomhole pressed on, suggesting there were unresolved issues concerning Omokri’s nomination:
“I need to speak on this in the public interest. We cannot pretend we have not heard stories.”
Ndume fired back:
“There is no such petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!”
The verbal duel quickly turned personal, with Oshiomhole citing his experience as a former governor. Ndume responded bluntly:
“You had never dreamed of being a senator when I became one.”
Chairman Bello eventually restored order, redirecting attention to the pending motion. Throughout the commotion, Omokri remained composed, observing silently as the exchange unfolded around him.
Another Screening Controversy
The clash came barely 24 hours after a separate controversy surfaced during the screening exercise. Ambassadorial nominee Emmanuel Adeyemi, representing Ekiti State, stumbled when asked to name the state’s three senators.
While he correctly identified Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Yemi Adaramodu, he failed to remember the third senator’s name. A staff member’s attempt to use Google to find the answer drew rebuke from lawmakers.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) criticised the nominee’s lack of basic preparedness, calling it embarrassing for someone seeking a top diplomatic role.
Despite the incident, Adeyemi’s nomination continues alongside those of Erelu Angela Adebayo and Olumilua Oluwayemika, also representing Ekiti.
A Screening Marked by Tension
President Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominations have triggered significant scrutiny, with senators weighing competence, political loyalty, and public perception. Thursday’s confrontation underscores the political sensitivities and procedural tensions shaping the confirmation process.
