A dramatic clash erupted on Thursday during the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs’ screening of ambassadorial nominees, pitting Senators Ali Ndume (Borno South) and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) against each other over the fate of former presidential aide Reno Omokri.
The session, already tensed after an earlier struggle for space, brought together a lineup of high-profile nominees, including former INEC Chairman Mahmud Yakubu, ex-Army Chief Abdulrahman Dambazau, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, and former Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas.
In a move that instantly shifted the atmosphere, Ndume urged the committee to allow Omokri and several other nominees to simply “take a bow and go,” describing the former aide—whom he claimed to have known for 25 years—as fully qualified for the diplomatic role.
Oshiomhole pushed back, refusing to second the motion and insisting on making comments before any approvals. The disagreement quickly escalated into a heated exchange, with Ndume accusing Oshiomhole of obstructing proceedings and calling him a “tout.” Oshiomhole shot back, branding Ndume a “hypocrite,” while stressing that despite past political differences, he would still support the president’s nominees.
The confrontation drew the attention of other lawmakers, who intervened to calm tempers. In the end, Omokri was allowed to “take a bow and go” without facing a single question—keeping him firmly on track for ambassadorial appointment.
Omokri’s nomination has stirred controversy, with critics questioning whether someone who fiercely opposed President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections could now credibly represent Nigeria abroad. His inclusion on the president’s list reignited debates about loyalty, credibility, and the standards for diplomatic postings.
The broader screening exercise followed a familiar pattern of deference. Former governors, ministers, first ladies, and ambassadors—among them Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi—were also asked to bow and exit without scrutiny. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the practice, saying it recognizes their previous service.
President Tinubu submitted 65 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate—34 career diplomats and 31 non-career appointees, including former lawmakers and political heavyweights. Ndume, who had only last week criticized the list for allegedly violating the federal character principle, appeared to reverse course on Thursday, backing the same nominees he had questioned.
As the screening continues, all eyes remain on the Senate. But the fiery Ndume–Oshiomhole showdown and Omokri’s smooth passage have highlighted both the political undercurrents shaping high-level appointments and the Senate’s growing reliance on the controversial “bow and go” tradition.
Ndume, Oshiomhole Clash as Omokri Takes a Bow at ambassadorial screening
