Reno Omokri Tears Senate Apart Over Ambassadorial Approval

The Senate screening of former presidential aide Reno Omokri took a dramatic turn on Thursday when two senior lawmakers openly disagreed over his nomination.

What started as a routine exercise before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs quickly escalated into a tense exchange between Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Ali Ndume.

Oshiomhole fully supported Omokri’s nomination, describing him as a patriotic Nigerian whose public interventions have often helped promote the country’s image. He argued that Omokri demonstrated courage by admitting to his past misconceptions when presented with “compelling evidence” that favored Nigeria’s interests.

According to Oshiomhole, such behavior reflected maturity and readiness for diplomatic responsibility.

On the other hand, Ndume insisted that the Senate must adhere to due process. He emphasized that the screening of ambassadorial nominees should remain orderly and not be swayed by personal sentiments. Ndume attempted to interject while Oshiomhole was speaking, leading to a heated confrontation between the two lawmakers.

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.