A tense exchange erupted on Thursday during the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs’ screening of Reno Omokri, as Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume openly disagreed over the former presidential aide’s suitability for an ambassadorial appointment.
The confrontation, captured in a video from the session, showed both lawmakers in a heated shouting match. Oshiomhole strongly defended Omokri, arguing that the Edo-born nominee had consistently demonstrated patriotism by standing up for Nigeria on international platforms.
Ndume, however, insisted that proper screening procedures must be followed, questioning the rush to endorse any nominee without satisfying all requirements.
The argument intensified when Ndume attempted to interrupt Oshiomhole, prompting the former governor to push back sharply.
“Until you are called, you cannot shut me down,” Oshiomhole snapped, adding, “I have the authority of the chairman. You’re not the chairman and cannot exercise the power you don’t have.”
Oshiomhole went further, suggesting that some lawmakers were playing to the gallery. “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.”
Speaking in support of Omokri, he described the nominee as pragmatic and willing to admit when he is wrong.
“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.’ From what I have seen, this man is working and deserves the support of all who want progressive governance.”
Oshiomhole rounded off his remarks with a pointed jab at his colleagues: “I proudly said I was a governor… so when I speak, those who are not governors should listen.”
The committee is expected to continue reviewing the nomination before making its final recommendation to the full Senate.
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