*As Dambazau, Ibas, Fani-Kayode, Reno, Others Asked To Bow And Go
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A fiery confrontation between two prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) senators overshadowed the ongoing screening of President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees in the Nigerian Senate on Thursday, as Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume traded barbs over the nomination of former presidential aide Reno Omokri.
The heated exchange unfolded during the second day of deliberations by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North). Omokri, a vocal social media commentator and ex-aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, sat stoically in the chamber as Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) sought to voice concerns about his candidacy, citing unverified “stories” circulating in the public domain.
“I cannot be intimidated by people who go here and there. After all, we see people on television questioning this list,” Oshiomhole declared, his voice rising amid interruptions.
Ndume (APC, Borno South), a seasoned lawmaker known for his procedural rigor, swiftly interjected, demanding strict adherence to Senate rules. “The procedure is that if there is a motion on the floor, it should be seconded. If it is not seconded, it’s dead,” he retorted.
The verbal sparring intensified, with Oshiomhole appealing directly to Chairman Bello for intervention. “Just allow me to continue. Mr. Chairman, you have allowed me. Please protect me,” he urged, before adding, “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.”
Ndume fired back sharply: “There is no such petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!” The clash veered into personal territory, with Oshiomhole invoking his tenure as Edo State governor and Ndume countering, “You have never dreamed of being a senator when I became one.”
Bello eventually restored order, reminding Oshiomhole of the pending motion and urging brevity. Omokri, maintaining composure throughout, observed the proceedings without comment.
The drama marked a stark contrast to the smoother screenings on subsequent days. By Thursday, as the process entered its third day, several high-profile nominees including former ministers, lawmakers, and career diplomats were granted the Senate’s traditional “take a bow and go” privilege, bypassing rigorous questioning due to their prior public service records.
@thenigerialawyer“I Cannot Be Intimidated by People Who Go Here and There” — Oshiomhole, Ndume Trade Barbs Over Reno Omokri Ambassadorial Nomination
Among those fast-tracked were former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, ex-Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau, retired Air Vice Marshal Monday Ibas, former INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, ex-Senator Ita Enang, and Omokri himself. After brief self-introductions, the committee, led by Bello, invoked the procedure, citing their established credentials and previous Senate clearances.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) defended the practice, emphasizing its role in expediting confirmations for verified public servants. “Anyone who has previously served in the National Assembly automatically qualifies for the privilege,” Bamidele explained, underscoring the balance between efficiency and accountability in the diplomatic appointment process.
Thursday’s events followed a separate embarrassment on Wednesday, when career diplomat Emmanuel Adeyemi, nominated for an overseas post, struggled to name all three senators from his home state of Ekiti. Adeyemi correctly identified Bamidele and Yemi Adaramodu but faltered on the third, leading to an awkward moment where a staffer resorted to a Google search. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (PDP, Cross River South) decried the lapse as evidence of inadequate preparation among some nominees.
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