Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume engaged in a heated public clash on Thursday over the ambassadorial nomination of former presidential aide Reno Omokri.
The confrontation occurred during the screening process by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
Both men appeared have different views about the eligibility of the Edo-born former presidential aide.
In a video captured from the screening being conducted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Oshiomhole and Ndume were seen engaging in a shouting match over Omokri.
Oshiomhole was in total support of the nomination of Reno Omokri who, according to him, has shown he is a good Nigerian by always defending the country.
However, Ndume was of the opinion that the due process in screening nominees for the ambassadorial position must be followed.
“Until you are called, you cannot shut me down,” Oshiomhole told Ndume, who was trying to prevent him from speaking.
“I have the authority of the chairman. You’re not the chairman and cannot exercise the power you don’t have,” Oshiomhole continued.
“I cannot be intimidated by people who go here and there. After all we have seen people on television questioning this list.
“We cannot pretend we have not heard stories. For me, for the power of example, this man is a pragmatist. He is not detained by old feelings.
“This young man (Omokri) has shown that where he sees a compelling evidence in the interest of the Nigerian nation, he will not be ashamed to say that ‘I was wrong in my assumption’. From what I have seen, this man is working, and he deserved the support of all those who want progressive governance. Second side of the argument is that we have a President.
“I proudly said I was a governor, which is the head of a sub-national government, so when I speak, those who are not governors should listen.”
