Tensions flared in the Nigerian Senate on Thursday as Senators Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) engaged in a heated confrontation over the ambassadorial nomination of former presidential aide Reno Omokri.
The exchange occurred during the second day of the Senate’s screening of President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees, which were submitted last week. Omokri, seated quietly in the chamber, watched as two of the Senate’s most vocal members traded sharp words in a procedural and political showdown.
Look, I cannot be intimidated by people who go here and there. After all, we see people on television questioning this list,” Oshiomhole declared.
Ndume immediately interjected, emphasizing strict adherence to Senate procedure.
“The procedure is that if there is a motion on the ground, it should be seconded. If it is not seconded, it’s dead,” Ndume said.
Unyielding, Oshiomhole raised his voice, appealing to the Committee Chairman, Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North), for protection.
“Just allow me to continue (with what I am saying). Mr Chairman, you have allowed me. Please protect me,” he yelled.
The chairman struggled to restore order, repeatedly urging Oshiomhole to 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,” Oshiomhole added.
