Oshiomhole, Ndume clash over Omokri’s ambassadorial screening
Omokri’s Nomination Sparks Heated Clash Between Senators Oshiomhole and Ndume
A dramatic confrontation unfolded at the Nigerian Senate on Thursday as Senators Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) openly clashed during the screening of ambassadorial nominee Reno Omokri. The tense exchange erupted inside Room 301 of the Senate building, where President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees—career and non-career—were being screened. www.cjsoftflix.com
Omokri sat silently as two of the Senate’s most outspoken figures battled over procedure, politics, and the legitimacy of raising concerns during the screening session.
How the Exchange Started
Trouble began shortly after Oshiomhole took the floor to comment 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 interjected, insisting the Senate must follow due process. “If there is a motion on the ground, it should be seconded. If not, it is dead,” he argued.
But Oshiomhole, visibly annoyed, pressed forward. “Mr Chairman, you have allowed me. Please protect me,” he shouted as the session grew rowdy.
Committee Chairman Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North) attempted to restore calm, urging Oshiomhole to conclude his remarks. www.cjsoftflix.com
Political Barbs Fly
Oshiomhole dug in further, insisting that public interest demanded full transparency regarding Omokri’s nomination:
“We cannot pretend we have not heard stories,” he said.
Ndume sharply responded: “There is no petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!”
Oshiomhole then took a swipe at his colleague’s political experience:
“When I talk, those who have not been governors should listen… President Tinubu has shown quality leadership. Just because you criticised me during elections doesn’t mean I should not appoint you.”
Ndume, irritated, fired back: “You have never dreamed of being a senator when I became one.”
The chairman eventually stepped in to prevent further escalation:
“Senator Adams, you have made your point very clear. But there is a motion on the ground.”
Throughout the heated back-and-forth, Omokri sat stiffly, quietly watching the exchange unfold—uncertain how the altercation might influence his screening outcome. www.cjsoftflix.com
More Drama at the Senate Screening
The altercation came barely 24 hours after the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs was hit by another embarrassment involving career ambassadorial nominee Emmanuel Adeyemi.
Adeyemi, a seasoned diplomat with postings in Hong Kong and France, shocked senators when he failed to mention all three senators representing his home state of Ekiti.
- He named Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Yemi Adaramodu
- But forgot Senator Cyril Fasuyi
To make matters worse, a member of his entourage attempted to Google the answer, sparking outrage among lawmakers.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) lamented declining preparedness among high-level nominees, a sentiment echoed by Oshiomhole and Senator Seriake Dickson.
Adeyemi is one of three nominees from Ekiti State, alongside Erelu Angela Adebayo and Olumilua Oluwayemika. www.cjsoftflix.com
Tension Peaks as Confirmation Processes Continue
With multiple controversies emerging during the screening, the Senate is expected to come under public scrutiny regarding its vetting standards and internal order.
As the confirmation process continues, stakeholders across Nigeria are watching closely, especially following the fiery exchange between Oshiomhole and Ndume which highlighted deep political fractures within the Senate.
For more verified updates on national political developments, always visit www.cjsoftflix.com.
