A heated confrontation erupted on Thursday at the National Assembly as Senators Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) exchanged sharp words during the screening of former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, for an ambassadorial appointment.
The incident occurred inside Room 301 of the Senate building during the ongoing assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s 65 career and non-career ambassadorial nominees.
How the Clash Started
Trouble began when Senator Oshiomhole took the floor to comment 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,” he said.
His remark immediately drew a reaction from Senator Ndume, who stood up to insist that Oshiomhole was violating Senate 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,” Ndume snapped.
Oshiomhole, visibly irritated, refused to yield.
“Just allow me to continue. Mr Chairman, you have allowed me. Please protect me,” he said loudly.
Committee Chair Struggles to Control Session
Committee Chairman, Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North), attempted to restore calm, warning Oshiomhole that his time was almost up.
Oshiomhole, however, continued with his statement, claiming he had an obligation to speak “in the public interest” regarding Omokri’s nomination.
“We cannot pretend we have not heard stories,” he added.
Ndume fired back immediately:
“There is no such petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!”
The tension escalated further when Oshiomhole launched a political jab.
“When I talk, those who have not been governors should listen. You must have that large heart for forgiveness,” he said, defending the President’s decision to nominate Omokri despite past criticism from him.
Ndume retorted: “You have never dreamed of being a senator when I became one.”
The chairman again stepped in to restore order.
Throughout the heated exchange, Omokri sat quietly, observing as senators debated issues that could determine his fate.
Background to the Screening Tension
The face-off came barely 24 hours after another embarrassing moment during the screening of a career ambassadorial nominee, Emmanuel Adeyemi.
Adeyemi failed to name all three senators representing his home state of Ekiti.
While he accurately mentioned Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Yemi Adaramodu, he stalled on the third senator.
Members of his entourage attempted to check online for the correct name — Cyril Fasuyi — triggering outrage among lawmakers.
Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong, Oshiomhole, and Seriake Dickson condemned the lapse, describing it as a reflection of falling standards among top-level nominees.
A representative of Bamidele, Senator Yunus Akintunde, however, appealed to the committee to show leniency.
Ekiti Nominees
Emmanuel Adeyemi is one of three nominees from Ekiti State, alongside:
Erelu Angela Adebayo
Olumilua Oluwayemika
Both are also expected to undergo Senate screening.
What Happens Next
The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs will continue the screening process before submitting its report and recommendations to the full Senate for approval or rejection.
As of Thursday evening, Reno Omokri’s nomination remains pending, with no official statement yet on whether the clash will impact his confirmation.
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