Tension in the Senate as Oshiomhole, Ndume clash over Reno Omokri’s ambassadorial nomination

A heated confrontation broke out on Thursday between Senators Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) during the screening of former presidential aide Reno Omokri for an ambassadorial role in Abuja.

The drama unfolded on the second day of the Senate’s ongoing assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s 65 career and non-career ambassadorial nominees.

Omokri, seated quietly in Room 301 of the Senate building, watched as two of the chamber’s most outspoken figures clashed over procedure and politics.

Clash Over Procedure

Tension rose when Oshiomhole began commenting 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.

Ndume immediately interrupted, insisting that Senate rules must be respected.

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

Oshiomhole refused to back down, raising his voice.

“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) attempted to restore calm, warning Oshiomhole that his time was almost up.

A composed Oshiomhole continued. “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 snapped back, “There is no such petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!”

That sparked a sharp 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 said.

A visibly irritated Ndume responded, “You have never dreamed of being a senator when I became one.”

The Committee Chairman stepped in again, urging both senators to return to order. Omokri, throughout the exchange, remained expressionless as the chamber debated issues that could shape his fate.

Fallout From Earlier Screening Blunder

Thursday’s drama followed another controversy on Wednesday involving career ambassadorial nominee Emmanuel Adeyemi.

The respected diplomat, who had served in Hong Kong and France, shocked lawmakers when he failed to name all three senators representing his home state of Ekiti.

He confidently identified Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Yemi Adaramodu but stalled on the third.

A member of his entourage attempted to search online for the name—Senator Cyril Fasuyi—prompting outrage.

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong criticised what he described as falling standards among top-level nominees.

Oshiomhole and Senator Seriake Dickson supported his view, while Senator Yunus Akintunde, representing Bamidele, appealed for leniency.

Adeyemi is one of three nominees from Ekiti, alongside Erelu Angela Adebayo and Olumilua Oluwayemika.