The Senate’s ongoing screening of President Bola Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees took a dramatic twist on Thursday as Senators Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) openly clashed over the nomination of former presidential aide, Reno Omokri in Abuja.
The confrontation erupted during the second day of the high-stakes scrutiny of Tinubu’s 65 career and non-career ambassadorial nominees transmitted to the Senate last week.
Omokri—seated in Room 301 of the Senate building—watched in silence as two of the chamber’s most vocal figures faced off in a heated procedural and political exchange.
Tension rose shortly after Oshiomhole began making remarks on Omokri’s nomination.
“Look, I cannot be intimidated by people who go here and there. After all, we see people on television questioning this list,” Oshiomhole said.
Ndume immediately cut in, insisting that Senate procedure must be followed.
“The procedure is that if there is a motion on the ground that should be seconded. If it is not seconded, it’s dead,” Ndume barked.
But Oshiomhole refused to yield. The former Edo governor raised his voice and pressed on.
“Just allow me to continue (with what I am saying). Mr Chairman, you have allowed me. Please protect me,” he yelled.
The committee chairman, Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North), struggled to regain order as the session turned rowdy.
Pointing towards Oshiomhole, Bello cautioned, “Senator Adams, your time is going. Please conclude.”
A composed Oshiomhole leaned forward.
“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.
But Ndume would not let him proceed, firing back: “There is no such petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!”
That comment triggered a political jab from Oshiomhole.
“When I talk, those who have not been governors should listen. You have to have that large heart for (forgiveness). For me, President Bola Tinubu has shown real quality that the fact that you criticised me during the election and abused me doesn’t mean I should not appoint you,” Oshiomhole stated.
Ndume, visibly irked, hit back: “You have never dreamed of being a senator when I became one.”
Sensing escalating tensions, the committee chairman intervened once more.
“Senator Adams, you have made your point very clear. But there is a motion on the ground,” he cautioned, eventually restoring order.
Throughout the exchange, Omokri remained stiffly in his seat, uncertain how the confrontation might shape Senate perception of his nomination.
Thursday’s drama came barely 24 hours after a separate controversy rattled the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
