Senators In Verbal War Over Reno Omokri’s Ambassadorial Screening

A heated exchange broke out on Thursday between Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume during the Senate’s screening of Reno Omokri, one of President Bola Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees.

The open disagreement erupted during the session of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, where both lawmakers sharply differed on procedure during Omokri’s vetting for the diplomatic appointment.

LEADERSHIP reports that Omokri was also an ardent critic of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oshiomhole, a former Edo State governor, who represents Edo North, openly threw his weight behind Omokri’s nomination, describing the former presidential aide as “a good Nigerian” who has consistently defended the nation’s image.

“For me, for the power of example, this man is a pragmatist. He is not detained by old feelings,” Oshiomhole said during the screening. “This young man has shown that where he sees compelling evidence in the interest of the Nigerian nation, he will not be ashamed to say, ‘I was wrong in my assumption.’ From what I have seen, this man is working, and he deserves the support of all those who want progressive governance.”

However, Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, apparently misunderstood Oshiomhole by thinking the Edo Senator was revisiting Omokri’s past attacks on Tinubu and APC.

Ndume, therefore, objected to Oshiomhole’s comments, insisting that the screening process must strictly adhere to due process since there was no any formal petition against the nominee.

His interjection was met with a sharp response from Oshiomhole, who accused Ndume of attempting to silence him.

“Until you are called, you cannot shut me down,” Oshiomhole fired back. “I have the authority of the chairman. You’re not the chairman and cannot exercise the power you don’t have.”

In a moment of visible tension, Oshiomhole added: “I cannot be intimidated by people who go here and there. After all, we have seen people on television questioning this list. We cannot pretend we have not heard stories.”

He further asserted his political stature, saying, “I can proudly said I was a governor, which is the head of a sub-national government, so when I speak, those who are not governors should listen.”

The exchange briefly disrupted the screening session before calm was restored.

LEADERSHIP reports that Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and a social media commentator, is among several ambassadorial nominees put forward by President Tinubu.