A Senate screening session on Tuesday for presidential envoy nominee Reno Omokri erupted into a heated exchange between Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ishaku Abbo Ndume, underscoring lingering tensions within the National Assembly’s confirmation process.
The disagreement flared when Oshiomhole, a former national chairman of the ruling party, accused some members of politicising Omokri’s nomination, urging the Senate to focus on merit rather than partisan considerations. “We should not allow this institution to be a theatre for political point scoring,” Oshiomhole told reporters after the session.
In response, Senator Ndume — who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs — defended the committee’s approach, arguing that the vetting was conducted professionally and in line with constitutional duties. “Our responsibility is to screen nominees thoroughly; that’s what we are doing,” Ndume said.
The clash briefly disrupted proceedings, drawing attention from other senators and resulting in calls for decorum from leadership present at the hearing. Several lawmakers described the tension as reflective of broader intra-party divisions rather than specific opposition to Omokri.
Omokri himself patiently responded to questions on his diplomatic vision, emphasising his readiness to promote Nigeria’s interests abroad if confirmed. “I am committed to serving Nigeria with integrity and to elevating our global image,” he told the committee.
The Senate is expected to vote on Omokri’s nomination later this week, with analysts suggesting the outcome could signal the legislature’s stance on balancing political loyalty and professional qualifications.
