Tensions erupted in the Senate on Thursday when Senators Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) clashed over the ambassadorial nomination of former presidential aide Reno Omokri.
The confrontation unfolded during the second day of the Senate’s screening of President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees. Omokri, seated calmly in the chamber, watched as the two outspoken senators exchanged heated words in a mix of procedural disagreement and political rivalry.
The drama began after Oshiomhole started speaking about Omokri’s nomination, insisting publicly that he should be allowed to present his position. “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 quickly cut in, stressing 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 stated.
Oshiomhole, refusing to back down, raised his voice while appealing to the Committee Chairman, Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North). “Just allow me to continue (with what I am saying). Mr Chairman, you have allowed me. Please protect me,” he shouted.
The chairman attempted repeatedly to restore order, urging Oshiomhole to round up his point. But Oshiomhole 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 responded sharply: “There is no such petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!”
The argument quickly got personal. Oshiomhole referenced his experience as a former governor, prompting Ndume to snap back: “You have never dreamed of being a senator when I became one.”
Chairman Bello stepped in once more, reminding Oshiomhole of the motion on the floor and gradually restoring calm. Throughout the tense exchange, Omokri remained composed, quietly observing the heated debate.
The clash came a day after another embarrassing incident in the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. On Wednesday, ambassadorial nominee Emmanuel Adeyemi faltered when asked to name all three senators representing Ekiti State. Although he correctly named Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Yemi Adaramodu, he failed to recall the third senator, prompting a staff member to attempt a Google search. The moment drew criticism from lawmakers, with Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong calling it evidence of poor preparedness among high-level nominees.
Despite the incident, Adeyemi’s nomination still stands, alongside those of Erelu Angela Adebayo and Olumilua Oluwayemika, who also represent Ekiti State.
The ongoing screening continues to expose the political tensions and procedural demands surrounding President Tinubu’s diplomatic appointments, as senators evaluate competence, readiness and political credibility.
