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Senators Adams Oshiomhole (APC, EGdo North) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) became embroiled in a sharp confrontation on Thursday during the Senate’s ongoing screening of President Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees, which included former presidential aide Reno Omokri.
According to The Punch, the clash unfolded on the second day of the exercise inside Room 301 of the Senate building, where Omokri sat quietly as both lawmakers—known for their fiery personalities—engaged in a tense exchange over his nomination.
Trouble began when Oshiomhole attempted to comment on Omokri’s suitability for the diplomatic appointment.
“Look, I cannot be intimidated by people who go here and there. After all, we see people on television questioning this list,” Oshiomhole declared.
Ndume immediately objected, insisting that Oshiomhole’s intervention did not follow parliamentary procedure.
“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 interjected.
Oshiomhole, however, refused to step back, raising his voice as he pushed on with his remarks.
“Just allow me to continue (with what I am saying). Mr Chairman, you have allowed me. Please protect me,” he shouted.
Committee Chairman Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North) struggled to keep the session under control as the atmosphere grew more chaotic. Gesturing toward Oshiomhole, he warned:
“Senator Adams, your time is going. Please conclude.”
Oshiomhole then leaned forward and continued his point in a calmer tone.
“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, once again, pushed back firmly.
“There’s no such petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!” he shot back.
Oshiomhole responded with a jab of his own, invoking his years as a state executive.
“When I talk, those who have not been governors should listen. You have to have that large heart for forgiveness. For me, President Bola Ahmed 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,” he said.
Ndume, clearly irritated, countered with a pointed reminder of his seniority in the chamber.
“You’ve never dreamed of being a senator when I became one,” he fired.
Realising the exchange was escalating, Chairman Bello stepped in once more, reminding the lawmakers that a pending motion needed attention.
“Senator Adams, you’ve made your point very clear. But there is a motion on the ground,” he cautioned, eventually restoring a semblance of order.
Throughout the heated back-and-forth, Omokri remained motionless, watching the verbal duel play out—aware that the confrontation could influence how his nomination is viewed by the Senate.
The drama erupted barely a day after another tense moment rocked the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, adding to the pressure surrounding the screening process.
SB E-news.
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