The Senate screening of former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, took a dramatic turn on Thursday as two senior lawmakers openly disagreed over his nomination.
What began as a routine exercise before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs quickly shifted into a tense exchange between Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Ali Ndume.
Oshiomhole threw his full weight behind Omokri’s nomination, describing him as a patriotic Nigerian whose public interventions have often promoted the country’s image.
He argued that Omokri had demonstrated courage by admitting his past misconceptions when confronted with “compelling evidence” that favoured Nigeria’s interest.
According to him, such behaviour showed maturity and readiness for diplomatic responsibility.
Ndume, however, insisted that the chamber must follow due process. He stressed that the screening of ambassadorial nominees must remain orderly and must not be influenced by personal sentiments.
Ndume attempted to interject while Oshiomhole was speaking, a move that triggered the heated confrontation.
Oshiomhole, visibly irritated, snapped back at Ndume, saying: “Until you are called, you cannot shut me down.”
He went on to add, “I have the authority of the chairman. You’re not the chairman and cannot exercise the power you don’t have.”
The clash continued as Oshiomhole accused some lawmakers of making comments “here and there” and acting as if they had the authority to halt the process.
He noted that some individuals had publicly questioned the ambassadorial list and that such criticisms should not be ignored.
The former Edo governor argued that Omokri had proven himself by consistently defending the nation when needed, describing him as a “pragmatist” who was “not detained by old feelings.”
He further stated that Omokri’s willingness to acknowledge when he had been wrong was a key quality required for diplomatic assignments.
Oshiomhole also emphasised that Nigeria had a sitting President whose decisions deserved support, adding that his own experience as a former governor placed him in a position to guide those “who are not governors.”
Despite the commotion, the committee continued the screening, though the confrontation left many senators visibly unsettled.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.