Oshiomhole, Ndume Clash At Reno Omokri’s Ambassadorial Screening

The Senate’s ongoing screening of President Bola Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees took a dramatic twist on Thursday as Senators Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) openly clashed over the nomination of former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, in Abuja.

The confrontation erupted during the second day of the high-stakes scrutiny of Tinubu’s 65 career and non-career ambassadorial nominees transmitted to the Senate last week.

Omokri—seated in Room 301 of the Senate building—watched in silence as two of the chamber’s most vocal figures faced off in a heated procedural and political exchange.

Tension rose shortly after Oshiomhole began making remarks 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,” Oshiomhole said.

Ndume immediately cut in, insisting that Senate procedure must be followed.

“The procedure is that if there is a motion on the ground that should be seconded. If it is not seconded, it’s dead,” he barked.

However, Oshiomhole refused to yield. The former Edo governor raised his voice and pressed on.

“Just allow me to continue (with what I am saying). Mr Chairman, you have allowed me. Please protect me,” he yelled.

Committee Chairman, Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North), struggled to regain order as the session turned rowdy.

Pointing toward Oshiomhole, he cautioned, “Senator Adams, your time is running out. Please conclude.”

A composed Oshiomhole leaned forward. “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 fired back again, “There is no such petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!” That comment triggered a political jab from Oshiomhole.

“When I talk, those who have not been governors should listen. You have to have that large heart for (forgiveness). For me, President Bola 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 stated.

Ndume, visibly irked, hit back, “You have never dreamed of being a senator when I became one.”

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has commenced the screening of non-career ambassadorial nominees sent by President Bola Tinubu.

Among those who appeared before the committee were Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide; Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, a former Governor of Enugu; and Yakubu Mahmood, a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The nominees were quizzed on their knowledge of Nigeria’s foreign policy, bilateral relations, and strategies for advancing the country’s diplomatic and economic interests.

The exercise is intended to ensure that only qualified candidates with a clear understanding of Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities and strategic interests are appointed to represent the country abroad.

The committee, chaired by Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger North), is expected to complete its work and submit a report to the Senate for final consideration and confirmation of the nominees.

Tinubu had urged the Senate to “expeditiously” clear the ambassadorial list in line with the constitutional mandate.

The process comes as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its foreign relations and fill critical vacancies in missions that have been unrepresented for extended periods.