The ambassadorial screening session at the Nigerian Senate turned violent on Thursday as Senators Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) engaged in a heated argument over the nomination of former presidential aide, Reno Omokri.
The confrontation disrupted the proceedings of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs due to the controversial nature of the nomination of Omokri and a procedural dispute over the Senate’s use of the “bow-and-go” privilege.
The conflict erupted when Senator Ndume, who expressed respect for Omokri, moved a motion that the non-career nominee and four career diplomats also present be asked to “take a bow and go”.
Ndume moved to grant the privilege, stating that Omokri was a reputable figure he had known for 25 years.
Before the motion could be seconded, the Committee Chairman recognized Senator Oshiomhole. Oshiomhole objected to the motion, stating that he needed to speak in the interest of the public regarding Omokri’s controversial nomination.
Ndume immediately protested, insisting that Senate procedure required his motion to be seconded or defeated before Oshiomhole could speak. The argument quickly escalated into a shouting match, with Oshiomhole yelling;
We cannot pretend we have not heard stories…You have no power to shut me down. I proudly said I was a governor, which is the head of a subnational government, so when I speak, those who are not governors should listen – Oshiomhole
The controversy surrounding Omokri’s nomination emanated from his history as a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu, including past accusations he made against the President, particularly regarding Tinubu’s academic credentials and alleged links to drug-related activities.
Oshiomhole along the line, spoke in support of Omokri, describing President Tinubu as a pragmatist who is not detained by old feelings. He commended the President for his large heart in rewarding someone who had previously criticized him, stating that Omokri has shown a willingness to acknowledge when he was wrong.
In line with Senate tradition, Reno Omokri, Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, Former Minister of Interior and retired Army General, Abdulrahman Dambazau, and other non-career nominees were granted the “bow-and-go” privilege.
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