Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume clashed on Thursday over the ambassadorial nomination of former presidential aide Reno Omokri in Abuja.
The altercation erupted on the second day of Tinubu’s 65 career and non-career ambassadorial candidates, which were sent to the Senate last week.
Omokri, seated in Room 301 of the Senate building, remained silent as two of the chamber’s most outspoken members clashed over procedural and political issues.
Tensions flared quickly after Oshiomhole began making comments about 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 chipped in, insisting that Senate procedure must be followed.
“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 said.
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.
As the hearing became raucous, Committee Chairman Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North) fought to restore order.
Pointing at Oshiomhole, he said, “Senator Adams, your time is over. Please conclude.”
“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 replied back again, “There is no such petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!”
Ndume’s 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 criticized me during the election and abused me doesn’t mean I should not appoint you,” he stated.
Ndume, visibly irate, fired back, “You had never dreamed of being a senator when I became one.”
Sensing worsening tensions, the committee chairman intervened once more.
“Senator Adams, you have made your point very clear. But there is a motion on the ground,” he cautioned, eventually restoring order.
Throughout the exchange, Omokri sat rigid in his seat, unsure how the clash would affect Senate perceptions of his nomination.
