THE Senate descended into chaos today as the chamber conducted the screening of ambassadorial nominee Reno Omokri.
Tension escalated when a motion had already been presented, recommending that Omokri and other nominees be asked to take a bow and leave.
The session became heated as lawmakers exchanged sharp words over the handling of Omokri’s nomination.
Senator Ali Ndume insisted the motion must first be seconded before any discussion could take place.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, however, objected, arguing that he should be allowed to speak immediately due to what he described as “raging issues in the public domain” concerning Omokri’s nomination.
“I need to speak on this in the public interest because we cannot pretend we have not heard the stories,” Oshiomhole stated. Ndume repeatedly interrupted, citing Senate rules that debate could only proceed after the motion was seconded.
The disagreement quickly escalated, with lawmakers shouting across the chamber and hurling insults, forcing the presiding officer to restore order.
Eventually, Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas seconded the initial motion, effectively ending the dispute. The Senate upheld the motion, asking Omokri and the other nominees to take a bow and leave.
Today’s screening followed President Bola Tinubu’s submission of a 32-person list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate on November 29.
The list includes 15 career ambassadors and 17 non-career nominees, who are to be posted to countries where Nigeria maintains diplomatic relations and international organizations such as the United Nations.
Among the non-career nominees are prominent figures such as Reno Omokri (Delta), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (former INEC Chairman), and former governors and political office-holders.
The list also features four women as career ambassadors and six as non-career nominees.
Since its announcement, the nominations have faced public scrutiny and criticism, particularly over the inclusion of former political office-holders.