Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume clashed during Reno Omokri’s ambassadorial screening on Thursday.
The confrontation occurred during the second day of Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominee reviews in Abuja.
Omokri watched quietly as two prominent senators exchanged heated procedural and political arguments. Tensions rose after Oshiomhole criticized aspects of Omokri’s nomination.
“I cannot be intimidated by people questioning this list on television,” Oshiomhole declared. Ndume quickly insisted that Senate procedure must be strictly followed.
He explained, “If a motion is not seconded, it is automatically dead.” Oshiomhole refused to yield and addressed the chairman loudly, requesting protection to continue.
Committee Chairman Abubakar Bello struggled to restore order amid the rising tension.
Oshiomhole highlighted the public interest in discussing Omokri’s nomination and stories surrounding it. Ndume countered, stressing, “There is no petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!
”The exchange escalated as Oshiomhole referenced presidential discretion and past political disagreements. Ndume responded sharply, recalling Oshiomhole’s early political ambitions.
Chairman Bello intervened to maintain decorum, reminding senators about the pending motion.
Throughout, Omokri remained seated, unsure how the confrontation might affect his nomination. The session followed a separate controversy involving nominee Emmanuel Adeyemi from Ekiti State.
Adeyemi struggled to name all senators from his state, prompting backlash. Senators criticized the lack of preparedness among some ambassadorial candidates.
Other nominees, including Erelu Angela Adebayo and Olumilua Oluwayemika, awaited Senate confirmation
