Oshiomhole and Ndume Clash During Reno Omokri’s Ambassadorial Screening in Senate Showdown
A heated exchange broke out Thursday between Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume as lawmakers screened former presidential aide Reno Omokri for an ambassadorial role. The confrontation happened in Room 301 of the National Assembly complex during the ongoing screening of President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees. Omokri sat quietly as two of the Senate‘s most outspoken members went head-to-head over procedure and politics. Things kicked off when Oshiomhole started addressing 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 jumped in, insisting the Senate must follow proper 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,” Ndume fired back. Oshiomhole wasn’t having it. He raised his voice and appealed to the Committee Chairman for protection. Senator Abubakar Bello tried to cool things down, reminding Oshiomhole his time was running out. Still, Oshiomhole continued: “Mr Chairman, I think I need to speak on this in the public interest, with particular reference to Reno’s nomination. We cannot pretend we have not heard stories.” Ndume shot back sharply: “There is no such petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!” The argument escalated when Oshiomhole took a dig: “When I talk, those who have not been governors should listen. You need a large heart to forgive. Look at President Tinubu, someone may criticise you or abuse you, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t appoint them.” Ndume responded immediately: “You never dreamed of being a senator when I became one.” The Chairman stepped in again to restore order, while Omokri stayed calm throughout the verbal exchange. The drama followed another awkward moment from Wednesday, when career diplomat Emmanuel Adeyemi stumbled during his own screening. Adeyemi, who has served in Hong Kong and France, shocked senators when he couldn’t name all three senators from his home state of Ekiti. He correctly mentioned Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Yemi Adaramodu, but forgot the third, Senator Cyril Fasuyi. Someone in his group tried to quickly Google the answer, sparking anger among lawmakers. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong criticized what he called falling standards among high-level appointees. Oshiomhole and Senator Seriake Dickson agreed, though Senator Yunus Akintunde asked for understanding. Adeyemi is one of three ambassadorial nominees from Ekiti State, along with Erelu Angela Adebayo and Olumilua Oluwayemika.








