Drama as Oshiomhole, Ndume spar during Reno Omokri’s ambassadorial screening

A brief moment of drama played out on Thursday at the National Assembly when Senators Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) exchanged sharp words over the ambassadorial nomination of former presidential aide, Reno Omokri.

The incident occurred on the second day of the Senate’s ongoing assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s 65 career and non-career ambassadorial nominees forwarded to the upper chamber last week.

Omokri sat quietly in Room 301 as the two senior lawmakers—both known for their assertive styles—engaged in a tense back-and-forth over procedure and politics.

The disagreement began after Oshiomhole launched into 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 quickly interjected, insisting that the panel must stick to parliamentary rules.

“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 declared.

Unmoved, Oshiomhole pushed ahead, raising his voice.“Just allow me to continue (with what I am saying). Mr Chairman, you have allowed me. Please protect me,” he shouted.

Committee Chairman Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North) attempted to restore calm as the atmosphere grew rowdy.

Pointing in Oshiomhole’s direction, he warned, “Senator Adams, your time is going. Please conclude.”

Leaning forward, Oshiomhole insisted that his remarks were in the public interest.

“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 fired back once more: “There is no such petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!”

That remark prompted a political dig 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 retorted, “You have never dreamed of being a senator when I became one.”

Sensing a dangerous escalation, the Committee Chairman stepped in again.

“Senator Adams, you have made your point very clear. But there is a motion on the ground,” he cautioned, eventually restoring order.

Throughout the heated exchange, Omokri remained seated, offering no reaction as the dispute played out in front of him.