The Nigerian Senate witnessed intense drama on Thursday as Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) engaged in a fiery exchange over the ambassadorial nomination of former presidential aide Reno Omokri.
The confrontation erupted during the second day of screening for President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees. Omokri, seated quietly, watched as both lawmakers exchanged sharp remarks in a heated procedural and political argument.
Tensions rose when Oshiomhole attempted to speak extensively about Omokri’s nomination, insisting on his right to air his concerns.
“Look, I cannot be intimidated by people who go here and there. After all, we see people on television questioning this list,” Oshiomhole stated.
Ndume immediately countered, stressing strict compliance with Senate rules.
“The procedure is that if there is a motion on the ground, it should be seconded. If it is not seconded, it’s dead,” Ndume maintained.
Refusing to back down, Oshiomhole raised his tone and appealed to Committee Chairman Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North).
“Just allow me to continue. Mr Chairman, you have allowed me. Please protect me,” he shouted.
The chairman repeatedly urged Oshiomhole to wrap up his comments, yet he pressed on.
“All right! Mr Chairman, I think I need to speak on this in the public interest, with particular reference to the nomination of Reno. We cannot pretend we have not heard stories,” he said.
Ndume fired back strongly: “There is no such petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!”
The confrontation quickly became personal. Oshiomhole referenced his experience as a former governor, prompting Ndume’s sharp reply: “You have never dreamed of being a senator when I became one.”
Chairman Bello eventually intervened again, restoring calm and redirecting proceedings to the motion on the floor. Throughout the altercation, Omokri remained composed, silently observing the heated exchange.
Thursday’s episode came a day after another embarrassing moment during the screening. A career diplomat, Emmanuel Adeyemi, nominated as an ambassador, faltered when asked to name all three senators from his home state of Ekiti. Although he correctly mentioned Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Yemi Adaramodu, he stumbled on the third name. A staff member attempted to search online before lawmakers criticised the nominee for lack of preparedness.
Despite the incident, Adeyemi’s nomination continues, along with those of Erelu Angela Adebayo and Olumilua Oluwayemika, representing Ekiti State.
The ongoing screening exercise underscores the Senate’s emphasis on competence, procedural integrity, and political sensitivity as lawmakers assess President Tinubu’s diplomatic selections.
.jpg)
0 Comments
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed on this platform as comments were freely made by each person under his or her own volition or responsibility and were neither suggested nor dictated by the owners of News PLATFORM or any of their contracted staff. So we take no liability whatsoever for such comments.
Please take note!