- Oshiomhole–Ndume clash erupts during Reno Omokri screening.
- Senator Oshiomhole insists lawmakers who weren’t governors must “listen.”
- Senate applies “bow and go” tradition for top nominees.
- Some senators oppose Omokri’s nomination, citing past remarks.
The Senate screening of ambassadorial nominees took a dramatic turn on Thursday after Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Ali Ndume sharply disagreed during the appearance of Reno Omokri, one of President Bola Tinubu’s nominees.
Reno Omokri appeared before the Senate alongside several others seeking ambassadorial appointments. However, the session became tense when Oshiomhole took the floor and made a remark that instantly provoked Ndume.
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In Oshiomhole’s words: “I proudly said I was a governor, the head of a subnational government. So when I speak, those who were not governors should listen.”
The statement did not sit well with Ndume, who quickly challenged him, sparking a verbal confrontation that temporarily disrupted proceedings. Both lawmakers exchanged words as other senators attempted to restore order.
Before the clash, the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs had already cleared Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation and Minister of Culture, who received the traditional “bow and go” treatment. Former Interior Minister and retired Army General Abdulrahman Dambazau also received the same privilege.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the practice, explaining that those who have previously served in the National Assembly or held high public office qualify for “bow and go” because their credentials and service records are already known to lawmakers.
Despite the smooth screening of others, Reno Omokri’s nomination stirred mixed reactions.
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Some senators openly expressed displeasure, accusing him of previously referring to President Tinubu as a “drug baron”, a claim Omokri has repeatedly denied.
The heated exchange between Oshiomhole and Ndume added fuel to the controversy, leaving many Nigerians divided over the conduct of the two senior lawmakers.
A video clip of the confrontation has since circulated widely, drawing debate on whether the clash was driven by political rivalry, personal pride, or genuine concern over Omokri’s nomination.
