The Nigerian Senate witnessed a heated showdown on Thursday as Senators Adams Oshiomhole (APC Edo North) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) clashed during the confirmation process of former presidential aide, Reno Omokri as an ambassador.
According to Vanguard, the tense exchange highlighted both procedural disputes and political rivalry among two of the chamber’s most outspoken members, while Omokri observed quietly from his seat.
The confrontation unfolded during the second day of the Senate’s scrutiny of President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees, submitted last week. Oshiomhole sought to address Omokri’s nomination directly, insisting on the right to voice his opinion.
“Look, I cannot be intimidated by people who go here and there. After all, we see people on television questioning this list,” he declared.
Ndume quickly interrupted, emphasizing strict adherence to 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,” he said.
Unfazed, Oshiomhole raised his voice, appealing to Committee Chairman Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North) for support. “Just allow me to continue (with what I am saying). Mr Chairman, you have allowed me. Please protect me,” he yelled.
The chairman struggled to restore order, repeatedly urging Oshiomhole to conclude.
“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,” Oshiomhole added.
Ndume retorted sharply: “There is no such petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!”
The verbal sparring soon turned personal, with Oshiomhole citing his experience as a former governor, while Ndume shot back: “You have never dreamed of being a senator when I became one.”
Chairman Bello intervened again to restore order, and Omokri maintained a composed demeanor throughout the debate.
Thursday’s tension followed a separate incident on Wednesday, when career diplomat Emmanuel Adeyemi, nominated as an ambassador, struggled to name all three senators from his home state of Ekiti.
While he correctly listed Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Yemi Adaramodu, he faltered on the third, prompting a staffer to search online. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) criticized the lapse, highlighting a lack of preparedness among top-level nominees.
Despite the mishap, Adeyemi’s nomination continues alongside those of Erelu Angela Adebayo and Olumilua Oluwayemika, also representing Ekiti State.
The ongoing ambassadorial screenings underscore the high stakes and procedural rigor in the Senate, as lawmakers balance questions of competence, loyalty, and political interest in confirming President Tinubu’s diplomatic appointments.
