Drama In Senate As Ndume, Oshiomhole Fight Over Omokri’s Ambassadorial Screening
- ‘When I Talk, Those Who Have Not Been Governors Should Listen’ – Oshiomhole Fires Ndume
- You Have Never Dreamed Of Being A Senator When I Became One – Ndume Hits Back
Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) and Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) on Thursday, openly clashed iver the ambassadorial nomination of former presidential aide Reno Omokri in Abuja.
According to reports, the two senators faced off in a heated procedural and political exchange.
Tension rose shortly after Oshiomhole began making remarks 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,” Oshiomhole said.
Ndume immediately cut in, insisting that Senate procedure must be followed.
“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 said.
But Oshiomhole refused to yield. The former Edo governor raised his voice and pressed on.
“Just allow me to continue (with what I am saying). Mr Chairman, you have allowed me. Please protect me,” he yelled.
Committee Chairman Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North) struggled to regain order as the session turned rowdy.
Pointing toward Oshiomhole, he cautioned, “Senator Adams, your time is going. Please conclude.”
A composed Oshiomhole leaned forward and said, “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 again, “There is no such petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!”
That comment triggered a political jab from Oshiomhole who said, “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 stated.
Ndume, visibly irked, hit back, “You have never dreamed of being a senator when I became one.”
Sensing escalating tensions, the Committee Chairman intervened once more.
“Senator Adams, you have made your point very clear. But there is a motion on the ground,” he cautioned, eventually restoring order.
Throughout the exchange, Omokri remained stiffly in his seat, uncertain how the confrontation might shape Senate perception of his nomination.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
