A heated exchange broke out between Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume during the screening of Reno Omokri for an ambassadorial appointment on Thursday, December 11, as the two disagreed sharply over Omokri’s eligibility
Oshiomhole forcefully defended Omokri, praising his patriotism and pragmatism, and clashed with Ndume over procedural interruptions.
He asserted his authority on the floor and argued that Omokri deserved nationwide support.
Ndume, however, emphasized strict adherence to due process and appeared skeptical about the nominee’s eligibility, leading to a heated verbal exchange between the two senior lawmakers.
The confrontation, captured in a video from the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs screening, showed Oshiomhole and Ndume engaged in a shouting match.
Senator Oshiomhole was a vocal supporter of Omokri’s nomination, arguing that the nominee had proven himself to be a good Nigerian by consistently defending the country.
During the exchange, Oshiomhole strongly asserted his viewpoint and challenged Ndume’s interruptions:
“Until you are called, you cannot shut me down. I have the authority of the chairman.
You’re not the chairman and cannot exercise the power you don’t have. I cannot be intimidated by people who go here and there.”
Oshiomhole praised Omokri’s pragmatism:
“For me, for the power of example, this man is a pragmatist.
He is not detained by old feelings… this man is working, and he deserved the support of all those who want progressive governance.”
He also used his background to assert authority:
“I proudly said I was a governor, which is the head of a sub-national government, so when I speak, those who are not governors should listen.”
Senator Ndume, in contrast, was of the opinion that the due process for screening ambassadorial nominees must be strictly followed, seemingly expressing reservations about Omokri’s candidacy despite public opinion.
