A tense exchange erupted on Thursday between two senior lawmakers, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) and Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South), during the Senate’s screening of Reno Omokri, one of President Bola Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees. The incident unfolded before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, momentarily disrupting proceedings and drawing the attention of observers present at the National Assembly.
The clash began when Senator Ndume, a former Senate Leader known for his strict adherence to parliamentary procedure, cautioned Senator Oshiomhole for attempting to speak out of turn. Ndume insisted that Oshiomhole could not make his remarks because a motion before the committee had not yet been seconded.
“The procedure is that there is a motion on ground and it should be seconded. If it is not seconded, it is dead,” Ndume declared firmly.
Oshiomhole, however, pushed back, arguing that he needed to comment in the public interest, especially regarding Omokri’s nomination. Omokri, a former presidential aide known for his outspoken political commentaries, has been a polarising figure on social media and in national discourse.
“Mr Chairman, I think I needed to speak on this in the public interest,” Oshiomhole said. “In particular reference to the nominee, Reno, because we cannot pretend we have not heard stories.”
Ndume immediately countered, stating that decisions of the Senate could not be based on unverified claims.
“You can’t work on stories; there is no petition before the committee. The Senate is not a joke,” Ndume retorted.
Despite the simmering tension, Oshiomhole continued, pivoting to commend President Tinubu’s leadership style. According to him, the president had shown maturity by nominating Omokri despite the latter’s long history of harsh criticism against him.
“Tinubu is a pragmatist; he is not detained by old feelings or suspicions about anyone,” Oshiomhole said. “Where he sees compelling evidence, he acts. This young man, Omokri, has shown that when presented with facts in the interest of the nation, he will acknowledge them. He has admitted he was wrong on certain assumptions about the president.”
Oshiomhole also argued that Tinubu’s decision signified a commitment to national unity and inclusiveness. “The fact that you criticise me during the election does not mean you cannot serve. The president has shown he is the president of all Nigerians,” he added.
Ndume, however, was not done with his interjections. When Oshiomhole referenced his experience as a former governor in making a point, Ndume quipped, “Governors come to Senate. After being governors, you struggle to come to Senate.”
The remark drew murmurs in the chamber, but Oshiomhole pressed on with his argument, stating that Tinubu had demonstrated “the minimum requirement of leadership,” which he described as tolerance, magnanimity, and a willingness to embrace political opponents for the greater good.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Sani Bello, eventually intervened to restore order. Calling both senators to calm, Bello redirected the proceedings by asking the committee members whether anyone formally objected to Omokri’s nomination.
Both Oshiomhole and Ndume stated that they had no objections.
With the tension diffused, Omokri was invited to “take a bow and go,” a customary gesture signaling the committee’s approval, especially for nominees with prior public service or high national visibility.
The screening session was part of the ongoing process to evaluate non-career ambassadorial nominees submitted to the Senate by President Tinubu. Omokri’s inclusion on the list attracted widespread public attention, given his history as a vocal critic of the president prior to the 2023 elections.
Despite the fiery exchange between the two senior lawmakers, Thursday’s proceedings ended without further incident, clearing the path for Omokri’s nomination to advance to the next stage of legislative approval.
Political observers say the clash underscores rising tensions within the Senate, particularly as lawmakers navigate the political implications of presidential appointments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
